Domaine Bernard Gripa - Saint-Joseph "Le Berceau" White 2021

$167.00

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The Saint Joseph Berceau is a powerful and elegant Marsanne wine.

Domaine Bernard Gripa has named their top Saint Joseph cuvée “Berceau”. It is a selection of their oldest vines from the appellation. There is only one hectare of vines that produce this label. Exclusively planted on terraces, these challenging vineyards can only be maintained by hand. The granite soils of Saint Joseph provide great freshness to the wines, despite their low acidity.

The powerful and complex nose shows flavours of citrus and beeswax. The taste is elegant but strong with hints of hazelnut, saltiness and a long finish. It would go well with crayfish, veal, chicken or white fish. It could be cellared for more than 15 years or be enjoyed in its youth by decanting at least an hour before serving. 100% Marsanne.

While the regular cuvée displays honeyed ripeness, Gripa’s 2019 Saint Joseph Blanc Le Berceau - old-vine Marsanne from the lieu-dit Saint-Joseph in Tournon - features scents of crushed stone, pencil shavings and citrusy fruit. Entirely barrel fermented and aged, it’s medium to full-bodied, concentrated and shows ample length and freshness on the finish. I’ve been deliberately conservative with my aging estimate but wouldn’t be surprised to see this drink well for a decade or more. It’s certainly among the top white wines from the appellation. 93 points, Joe Czerwinzki, Wine Advocate. 2019 review

What we say
Technical notes

"The Saint Joseph “Berceau” white from Domaine Gripa is a rare straight Marsanne wine. I have always been amazed by the powerful taste of this wine with a low acidity, floral and sour finish. Certainly Marsanne at its best."

The vineyards in Saint Joseph – like most in the northern Rhône Valley – are planted on terraces. It means there is no use of machines, with all work done by hand. Gripa’s team are vigilant in their care. The old vines of Marsanne do not produce many grapes per vine and therefore have a high concentration and complexity. The vinification is traditional and the wines undergo their maturation in 228 litre French oak barrels.

What we say

Technical notes