1999 Chapoutier Deschants Rouge Saint-Joseph

Notes sourced from M. Chapoutier

GRAPE VARIETY
Syrah

SOIL
Light acid granite ground, on the right bank of the Rhône, in the foothills of the Massif Central. We own the parcel of Saint-Joseph, situated between Mauves and Tournon, which has given its name to the appellation.

HARVEST
From veraison, the evolution of the maturing process is checked regularly and the grapes are hand-harvested when they are at peak maturity.

VINIFICATION
Like our Hermitage wine, our Saint-Joseph is vinified in oak casks or in steel vats with 2 daily treadings. The slightly shorter fermentation period lasts from 15 to 18 days.

MATURING
Ageing in oak casks and in steel vats from 12 to 18 months.

TASTING
Colour : deep garnet red due to the granite.
Nose :very floral at first, developing into liquorice, pear and spices.
Palate : supple, with a dominant of red fruits ; the finale is long, with a spicy characteristic.