Description
The Saint-Joseph AOP – Pierre d’Iserand from Domaine Jean-François Jacouton is a highly distinctive single-plot cuvée, made exclusively from Syrah grown on the steep granite slopes of the right bank of the Rhône, in the southern part of the appellation, between Mauves and Tournon-sur-Rhône. This historic terroir, the cradle of Saint-Joseph, is characterised by poor, well-drained soils, giving the wine a chiselled minerality, natural freshness and a vertical structure.
The vines are farmed sustainably, with careful plot-by-plot work, limited yields (around 35 hl/ha) and an exclusively manual harvest. The grapes are fully destemmed, then put into vat for a cold pre-fermentation maceration, followed by a slow fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, with gentle pumping over and punching down for a fine extraction that respects the fruit. Ageing takes place in French oak barrels for 14 months, with around 20% new oak, to add volume and complexity without masking the expression of the terroir.
On tasting, the wine shows a dense garnet colour with violet tints. The nose is intense and precise, dominated by aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and black cherry, lifted by floral notes of violet and subtle touches of sweet spice, graphite and smoke. On the palate, the attack is straight and fresh, and the tannic frame is fine yet firm, carried by balanced acidity and marked minerality. The finish is long and lingering, with notes of liquorice, black pepper and macerated fruit, the promise of fine ageing potential.
This Saint-Joseph Pierre d’Iserand pairs perfectly with roast or slow-cooked meats (lamb, beef cheek, pigeon), dishes with woodland flavours, or mature pressed cheeses. It can be enjoyed now after aeration, but will reach its peak after 5 to 8 years in the cellar, or even longer.
Grape variety: 100% Syrah
Terroir: South-east-facing granite soils (Mauves/Tournon area)
Viticulture: Sustainable, hand harvesting
Vinification: Destemming, cold maceration, temperature-controlled stainless steel vats
Ageing: 14 months in barrels (20% new)
Serving temperature: 16–18 °C
Cellaring: 5 to 10 years
A deep, racy and precise Saint-Joseph that faithfully reflects the nobility of Syrah on its native granite terroir.
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