Domaine Jean-Claude Marsanne Saint-Joseph Rouge 2022

The Marsanne family, as their name attests, has a long and deep-rooted history in the northern Rhône, in particular around Mauves, the birthplace of the Saint-Joseph appellation. In 1920, current owner Jean-Claude’s grandfather, Jean-Pierre, became the first in the family to focus solely on vineyards, which was no easy task given the impossibly steep slopes of Mauves, where everything must be worked by hand and pickaxe. Jean-Pierre started with just a few small parcels, selling off his crop to prestigious négociants, and was quickly renowned throughout the region for the exceptional quality of his grapes. 

His untimely passing in 1950 forced his son, Jean, to quit school at age 16 to take over the domaine. He continued his father’s work in earnest, his vineyards often being recognized amongst the village’s best, not just for their exposition and soil, but also for the attention to detail young Jean paid to each vine. The grape sales financed some small land purchases in and around Mauves, and the domaine slowly grew to 3 hectares. In 1970, Jean made the leap to begin making and bottling the wines himself. 

Jean-Claude holds tightly to the traditions of his family. These include farming the steepest parcels by hand, as was done by his grandfather; using indigenous yeasts for slow, natural fermentations, like his father taught him; and aging his wines extensively on fine lees, releasing each cuvée at its most expressive moment. 

This 100% Syrah comes from vines planted between 1940 and 1995. Whole clusters are gently pressed and then fermented in tonneaux for six weeks before being racked to smaller barrels. The wine ages in 228L barrels for 11 months before bottling. The result is a classic, traditional Northern Rhone Syrah which features blackberry, cassis and black cherry with violet, cracked pepper, olive and granite minerality. Full-bodied yet elegant, with silky tannins, lively acidity and a long savory finish.

Pairing: Roast lamb, grilled steak, duck, pork chops, sausage, mushroom dishes, or anything with black pepper and herbs.