# Vidal-Fleury Saint-Joseph (2020)

- **Producer:** Vidal-Fleury
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €29
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black pepper, black plum, violet, black cherry, smoke, vanilla, cedar, cloves, leather, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

Vidal-Fleury Saint-Joseph 2020 is a red wine from the Northern Rhône Valley, made from 100% Syrah. The producer, Vidal-Fleury, is the oldest continuously operating winery in the Rhône, founded in 1781, and was once a favorite of Thomas Jefferson. The winery is now owned by the Guigal family. The wine originates from the Saint-Joseph appellation, known for its Syrah cultivation on granite slopes. The 2020 vintage was a classic year in the Rhône, marked by a mild winter and dry spring.

## Interesting facts

- Founded in 1781, it's the oldest continuously operating Rhône winery.
- Thomas Jefferson was a known admirer of Vidal-Fleury wines.
- Now owned by the renowned Guigal family.
- The winery emphasizes elegance and freshness in its wines.

## Food pairing

The wine's firm tannins and medium-plus body are well-suited to complement the protein and fat in richer meats. Herbal notes in the wine can echo seasonings used in dishes, while the fruit and spice elements can bridge to sauces and accompaniments.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Vidal-Fleury Saint-Joseph 2020 involves manual harvesting in late September. The grapes undergo a traditional long maceration of three weeks, utilizing délestage. Fermentation takes place at 30°C with indigenous or selected yeasts, followed by complete malolactic fermentation. The wine is clarified through successive rackings and tangential filtration, without fining. Aging consists of three months on lees in stainless steel tanks, followed by twelve months in oak foudres, with some potential new oak influence. The wine is then aged in bottle for four months before shipment.