Domaine Bernard Gripa Saint-Joseph Blanc 2013

The Domaine is composed of sixteen hectares of vineyard – half white wines and half red wines – a unique combination within the village. Sixteen hectares are owned by the Gripas, with 3.5 hectares under the appellation of Saint-Péray – a truly rare white producing appellation, amongst a sea of neighbouring reds. Domaine Gripa’s Saint-Péray wines, both cuvées, are made from Marsanne and Roussanne, and create a marvellous still white wine. The rest of the Domaine is planted under the Saint-Joseph appellation, with a few different cuvées highlighting and celebrating the different terroirs. The Saint Joseph vineyards of Syrah, Marsanne and Roussanne are planted on complex granite soils and the Saint-Péray on clay and limestone. Even more unique, the Domaine’s vineyards average 65 years of age, with some vineyards over 80 years old – a rarity and treasure. Domaine Gripa’s wines are all made traditionally and masterfully express their origin. The four cuvées of Saint Joseph and the two cuvées of Saint-Péray undergo their maturation in French oak barrels of different sizes and age to slow down the ferocity of their natural acid and tannic complexity. Two cuvées of Saint-Joseph white and red called “Berceau” are made from the oldest vineyards, in the best climats of the Domaine. These can be aged for up to an astonishing 15 years! This longevity is a signature of the finest French wines.