# Saint-Joseph Lieu-Dit Blanc (NV)

- **Producer:** E. Guigal
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Marsanne, Roussanne
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €60
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blossom, quince, peach, apricot, fennel, toast, vanilla, butter, honey, almond, hazelnut

## About this wine

Saint-Joseph Lieu-Dit Blanc is sourced from the historic cadastred site named Saint-Joseph in the southern section of the appellation near Tournon-sur-Rhône, which originally gave its name to the entire region. Acquired in 2000 by Marcel and Philippe Guigal from Jean-Louis Grippat, the vineyard features steep granitic terraces overlooking the Rhône River. While white wine represents a small fraction of Rhône Valley production, white wines account for a quarter of Guigal's output. The distinctive label for this single-site cuvée was custom-designed by Franco-Swiss artist Roger Pfund.

## Interesting facts

- The cadastred site Saint-Joseph originally gave its name to the entire Saint-Joseph AOC.
- The label art was designed by Roger Pfund, who designed European banknotes and passports.
- Guigal crafts its oak barrels in-house at the historic Château d'Ampuis.

## Food pairing

The full body, rich texture, and gentle oak integration of this Marsanne-dominant white pair exceptionally well with rich seafood, creamy sauces, and delicate white meats, while its balance of acidity cuts through richness cleanly.

## Wine making process

The grapes undergo temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation at around 18°C in stainless steel vats following a slow pressing process with brief skin contact. The wine is aged for 12 months in oak barrels (50% new oak and 50% second-use barrels), which are crafted in-house by Guigal at Château d'Ampuis.