E. Guigal : Saint-Joseph 2023

The structure and expression of a Saint-Joseph white wine

The estate

Founded in Ampuis in 1946 by Etienne Guigal, the E. Guigal estate passed to his son Marcel in 1961. Today, the third generation upholds the traditions and principles of this family-run Maison in the Rhône Valley. E. Guigal cultivates a diverse range of vineyards across renowned appellations such as Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Hermitage, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage, ensuring consistent excellence throughout its production. Over the years, the Maison has seen exceptional growth, particularly with the 1995 acquisition of the prestigious Château d'Ampuis and several other notable estates including Jean-Louis Grippat, Domaine de Vallouit, Domaine de Bonserine and Château de Nalys in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The vineyard

This Saint-Joseph cuvée comes from 20- to 50-year-old vines, primarily planted around Tournon and Sarras. These vines thrive on limestone and granite soils enriched with sand and pebbles, typical of the Rhône soils.

Winemaking and aging

After manual harvesting, the grapes undergo meticulous sorting before pressing. Fermentations take place at moderate temperatures (between 61 and 64°F), accompanied by full malolactic fermentation. Maturation combines stainless steel tanks and oak barrels, preserving both the wine’s vibrancy and aromatic richness.

Grape varieties

This 2023 Saint-Joseph blanc from E. Guigal is a blend of Marsanne and Roussanne.