An exceptional white wine from the Northern Rhône that you don't want to miss!

Peach, hazelnut, minerality and blossom… this wine is a real treat! The E. Guigal Saint-Joseph Lieu-Dit Blanc comes from the prestigious Cru Saint-Joseph, located in the northern part of the Rhône Valley. It is produced by the renowned winery Guigal, that the famous Condrieu also makes. This white wine belongs to the top of the Northern Rhône and is only available in limited quantities. With a score of 16.5/20 from wine critic Jancis Robinson It is a wine that is already delicious to drink, but which will develop even further through light oak aging. The combination of complexity and refined roundness makes this Saint-Joseph Lieu-Dit Blanc so typical of wines from this region.

"Hard work is rewarded"

You can taste E. Guigal's motto, "hard work pays off," in this wine. The Saint-Joseph Lieu-Dit Blanc is made from 95% Marsanne and 5% Roussanne and has an aromatic profile in which hazelnut, yellow fruit, flowers, and subtle notes of vanilla come together. This makes the wine expressive and inviting. On the palate, you experience a perfect balance between richness and freshness, where the fruity aromas blend with fine acidity and creamy notes of butter and vanilla. The powerful, clean finish lingers for a long time. This white wine is an excellent choice with:

• Shellfish
• Delicate fish dishes such as sea bream or sea bass
• Goat cheeses

Storage advice and culinary pairings

The Saint-Joseph Lieu-Dit Blanc is already a delight to drink, but it also has an aging potential of 5 to 6 years. As the wine ages, it will become increasingly complex in flavor and the nutty notes will come more to the fore. Perfect for those who enjoy discovering how a wine develops in the bottle. Pair it with, for example:

• Oven-roasted chicken with rosemary and baby potatoes
• Pan-fried sea bream or sea bass in butter with lemon and fresh herbs
• Grilled Mediterranean vegetable dish with garrigue herbs

The origin: Saint-Joseph, an underrated jewel of the Northern Rhône

Saint-Joseph is one of the lesser-known but very interesting appellations in the Northern Rhône. While the region is highly regarded by wine lovers, Saint-Joseph is sometimes still unknown. The area stretches over a length of 55 kilometers, from Condrieu in the north to Valence in the south. Originally, the AOP covered only 90 hectares, but over the years the area has expanded. Winegrowers used the term “Lieu-Dit” to distinguish specific plots within the appellation.

Vinification

The vineyards are situated on steep slopes with a subsoil of granite and gneiss. The vines in the Guigal vineyards are between 20 and 75 years old, resulting in an impressive concentration and depth in the wine. Fermentation takes place at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks, preserving the fresh fruity aromas. Subsequently, the wine ages in a combination of new and used oak barrels, adding subtle notes of vanilla, roasted nuts, and cedar.

Guigal: a family business with a passion for wine

Since its founding in 1946 by Etienne Guigal, the winery has developed into one of the most respected producers in the Rhône. Located in the village of Ampuis, the vineyards benefit from a continental climate with cool nights. The soil, composed of sandstone and granite, ensures excellent drainage and retains heat at night, which contributes to the ripening of the grapes.

Guigal is known for its natural approach. The vineyards are managed entirely organically, with low yields and minimal intervention in the cellars. This results in wines that are pure and full of character. The Saint-Joseph Lieu-Dit Blanc is a beautiful example of this: an expressive, elegant wine that perfectly reflects the essence of the Northern Rhône.