E. Guigal : Vignes de l'Hospice 2023

Tasting notes and characteristics of E. Guigal's Saint-Joseph "Vignes de l'Hospice" 2023

Tasting

Appearance
The glass reveals a deep red colour, showing beautiful visual concentration.

Nose
Pure and intense, the aromatic bouquet unveils remarkable complexity dominated by notes of black fruits, subtly underlined by delicate hints of oak, vanilla and roasted aromas.

Palate
The attack is powerful and gives way to a texture that is both ample and sophisticated. The tannins are round and elegant, offering a perfect balance between power and finesse.

Food and wine pairings

This red wine pairs wonderfully with grilled or braised red meats, lamb with aromatic herbs, game or roasted poultry. It also enhances mushroom or truffle dishes, as well as aged cheeses such as Comté or Parmesan.

Serving and cellaring

Endowed with strong ageing potential, this 2023 vintage deserves to rest for a few years in the cellar to reveal its full complexity. It can be enjoyed from 2030 until approximately 2038.

The elegance and minerality of a Rhône Valley wine crafted by E. Guigal

The estate

Founded in 1946 by Étienne Guigal in the village of Ampuis, the E. Guigal House is a true institution among the great estates of the Rhône Valley. First developed by Marcel Guigal, who brought the estate to the international stage, the property is today led by the third generation. Philippe Guigal, current owner and oenologist, works alongside his wife Eve to perpetuate the family's excellence. The estate stands out for its absolute respect for terroirs and its artisanal expertise, notably illustrated by its own cooperage, crafting wines of worldwide prestige.

The vineyard

Located in the southern part of the Saint-Joseph appellation, in the commune of Tournon, this historic lieu-dit benefits from an ideal eastern exposure. The vines, aged between 20 and 80 years, thrive on extremely steep granite slopes arranged in terraces. This singular terroir, composed of Tournon granite rich in mica schists and quartz, gives the wine a unique mineral identity. The upkeep of these ancient walls and the harvest are carried out entirely by hand, with the greatest respect for the environment.

The vintage

The 2023 vintage was marked by hot and dry conditions. After a milder-than-average winter and an early bud break, the region experienced its lowest rainfall in over thirty years. Summer brought prolonged warmth, without extreme peaks, allowing rapid and even ripening. These ideal weather conditions favoured early harvests, yielding berries of optimal phenolic maturity while retaining beautiful freshness.

Winemaking and ageing

For the "Vignes de l'Hospice" 2023 cuvée, alcoholic fermentation is temperature-controlled up to 33°C in stainless steel tanks, accompanied by traditional pump-overs. The wine then benefits from an extended ageing of thirty months, exclusively in new oak barrels crafted by the estate's cooperage. Clarification takes place naturally through racking, without any fining.

Grape variety

Syrah (100%).