# Saint-Joseph Les Granilites (2020)

- **Producer:** M. Chapoutier
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €44
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black pepper, black cherry, black plum, cedar, cloves, vanilla, leather, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

M. Chapoutier's Saint-Joseph Les Granilites 2020 is a 100% Syrah from the Northern Rhône. The wine's identity is deeply tied to its 'granite' terroir, as indicated by its name, which contributes to its minerality and freshness. The grapes are grown in the foundational communes of the Saint-Joseph appellation, where the soil composition and exposure to the Mistral wind are key factors. The 2020 vintage is noted for its solar character, offering a rich and deep profile while maintaining a sense of liveliness and freshness. M. Chapoutier is a producer with a long family history in the Rhône Valley, recognized for its dedication to quality and organic viticulture.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Les Granilites' means 'granite' in French.
- Vineyards are located in the historic communes of Charnas, Tournon, and Mauves.
- The wine is certified organic.
- The Mistral wind plays a role in natural pest regulation.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ tannins and structure complement the richness of proteins like lamb and pork, while its freshness cuts through fatty elements. Herbal notes in the wine can echo those in dishes, creating a harmonious connection.

## Wine making process

The winemaking for M. Chapoutier Saint-Joseph Les Granilites 2020 begins with a hand harvest under favorable weather conditions. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled concrete vats, employing indigenous yeasts for a natural expression. Following a four-week maceration, malolactic fermentation occurs in cask. The wine is then aged for 12 months, with 25% in French oak barrels and the remaining 75% in concrete tanks for six months. This dual aging approach aims to balance complexity with freshness.