Guigal St Joseph Lieu Dit Blanc 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Saint-Joseph appellation is located on the steep, terraced hillsides along the Rhône River, known for its distinctive gneiss and granite soils. These soils, rich in minerals, provide excellent drainage and lend a unique minerality to the wines. The vineyards for this wine are primarily sourced from the southern part of the appellation, around the villages of Tournon and Sarras.

The vines, aged between 20 and 75 years, are planted on these steep hillsides, producing low yields with an average of 1.9 tons per acre, ensuring concentrated fruit. Guigal’s acquisition of vineyards from Domaine J.L. Grippat and Domaine Vallouit has further elevated the quality of their Saint-Joseph Blanc.

Winemaking

The Guigal Saint-Joseph Lieu Dit Blanc 2021 is made with precision and care. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo a slow pressing process to preserve the wine’s delicate fruit character. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, allowing the freshness and purity of the fruit to shine through.

The wine is then aged for 9 months, with 50% in new oak barrels and 50% in second-year barrels, adding subtle notes of vanilla and toast without overpowering the natural flavors. This balance of oak and stainless steel fermentation results in a wine that is both fresh and structured, with a rich texture and long finish.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright, pale yellow with golden highlights.
• Aroma: The nose offers enticing aromas of white flowers, brioche, tangerine, and grilled peach, alongside subtle hints of almond and vanilla from the oak aging.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and beautifully balanced. Flavors of stone fruits such as peach and apricot are complemented by vibrant acidity and a rich mineral undertone. The oak influence is subtle, adding complexity without overwhelming the fresh fruit flavors.
• Finish: The finish is long and lingering, with a crisp minerality and notes of citrus zest and toasted nuts, showcasing the wine’s aging potential.

Did You Know?

The Lieu Dit vineyard that provides the name for this wine is one of the most prestigious sites in Saint-Joseph. It was this vineyard that initially convinced the Guigal family to work in the region, helping restore Saint-Joseph’s historic reputation for producing high-quality wines.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled scallops with lemon butter: The richness of the scallops is balanced by the wine’s vibrant acidity and mineral complexity.
• Roast chicken with thyme and garlic: The wine’s subtle oak influence pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of roast chicken and herbs.
• Herb-crusted goat cheese: The wine’s floral and citrus notes complement the tangy, creamy texture of goat cheese.
• Lobster risotto: The creamy texture of the wine matches the richness of the risotto, while its freshness lifts the dish.

History of Guigal

The history of Guigal began in 1924, when Étienne Guigal arrived in Ampuis at the age of 14 and started working in winemaking. After years of gaining expertise, he established Maison Guigal in 1946. In 1961, Marcel Guigal, Étienne’s son, took over the estate at the age of 17 after his father became temporarily blind. Marcel, along with his wife Bernadette, expanded the estate's operations, and their son Philippe Guigal joined them in 1973. Today, Philippe Guigal continues to lead the winemaking efforts alongside his wife Eve, representing the third generation of the family.

Through their vision and dedication, the Guigals expanded the estate’s holdings significantly. In 1984, they acquired the historic Vidal-Fleury estate. Later, they added iconic vineyards such as Château d’Ampuis in 1995, as well as parcels in Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Crozes-Hermitage in 2001. In 2017, they purchased Château de Nalys in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, marking their entry into the Southern Rhône.

Region and Vineyards

Guigal’s vineyards span some of the most prestigious appellations of the Northern Rhône, including Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Crozes-Hermitage. The estate is especially known for its Côte-Rôtie wines, including the famed “La La” series: La Mouline, La Turque, and La Landonne. These single-vineyard wines are recognized globally for their power, complexity, and ability to age for decades.

In the Southern Rhône, the acquisition of Château de Nalys in Châteauneuf-du-Pape added another prestigious appellation to their portfolio. The vineyards are meticulously managed, with a focus on sustainable viticulture and preserving the expression of each terroir.

Winemaking Philosophy

Guigal is renowned for its meticulous approach to winemaking, particularly their practice of aging wines in new French oak barrels for extended periods—sometimes up to three years for their top cuvées. In 2003, they established their own cooperage at Château d’Ampuis, giving them complete control over the oak used for their wines. This precise approach to barrel aging ensures that the wines maintain a balance between the richness imparted by the oak and the expression of the terroir.

Wine Range

Guigal produces a broad array of wines across the Rhône Valley’s greatest appellations:

• Côte-Rôtie: The iconic La Mouline, La Turque, and La Landonne wines are some of the most collectible wines in the world, praised for their intensity and ability to age.
• Condrieu: Notably, the estate produces La Doriane, a benchmark for Viognier wines from this appellation, known for its elegance and aromatic complexity.
• Hermitage: Guigal’s Ex Voto wines, both red and white, represent the pinnacle of this legendary appellation, combining power, structure, and finesse.
• Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage: These appellations offer both reds and whites, celebrated for their balance of fruit, minerality, and refinement.
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape: With Château de Nalys, Guigal now produces both red and white Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines that reflect the richness and complexity of the Southern Rhône.

Did You Know?

Guigal’s top cuvées, such as La Landonne, La Mouline, and La Turque, have achieved the prestigious score of 100 points from wine critic Robert Parker across numerous vintages, solidifying their status among the world’s finest wines. In addition, Marcel Guigal was awarded Decanter Man of the Year in 2006 for his contributions to the Rhône Valley's winemaking legacy​​.