Tasting Notes
Northern Rhone at this point in time has the best value premium wines going around. The reason is, they're not cool or in vogue, quite the opposite really - daggy! That's what's so attractive though. The wines have always been incredible and what Gripa is creating is nothing short of incredible. This 100% Syrah is one of the best reflections of the variety I have seen - balanced and elegant, with everything in the right place. - Chris L
Domaine Bernard Gripa is producing astonishing Syrah (Shiraz) in the Saint Joseph appellation. This wine is from older vineyards that range from 30 to 45 years old. The vineyards are planted on terraces of granite soil specific to this appellation. Saint Joseph is showing a great nose of blackberries, black pepper and a dense full-bodied taste. A lovely freshness and saltiness on the palate makes it unique. It would be ideally paired with lamb roast, beef stew or spicy dishes. You can cellar it for a good ten years or enjoy it in its youth by decanting it at least 45 minutes before serving. 100% Syrah (Shiraz). - Importer Note
The Gripa family has a multi-generational history in the village and their family winemaking traditions still remain key to the operations of the Domaine today. Fabrice Gripa, current custodian, looks after the Domaine with the help of his father Bernard Gripa.
All year long, Fabrice and his determined team, undertake every task in the vineyard by hand, as no machine is capable of accessing the steep and challenging terrain of the vineyards. Adding to the workload is Fabrice's exclusive use of organic agricultural methods.
The Domaine is composed of sixteen hectares of vineyard ‚– half white wines and half red wines ‚– a unique combination within the village. Sixteen hectares are owned by the Gripas, with 3.5 hectares under the appellation of Saint-Péray ‚– a truly rare white producing appellation, amongst a sea of neighbouring reds. Domaine Gripa's Saint-Péray wines, both cuvées, are made from Marsanne and Roussanne, and create a marvellous still white wine.
The rest of the Domaine is planted under the Saint-Joseph appellation, with a few different cuvées highlighting and celebrating the different terroirs*.
The Saint Joseph vineyards of Syrah, Marsanne and Roussanne are planted on complex granite soils and the Saint-Péray on clay and limestone. Even more unique, the Domaine's vineyards average 65 years of age, with some vineyards over 80 years old ‚– a rarity and treasure.
* Terroir is the specific combination of location, vineyard, climate and people that create a wine. Accordingly, different terroirs produce different wines.
**Climat refers to a named plot of vineyard.
- Importer Note
| Product Type | Wine Red Shiraz |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | France |
| Region | Northern Rhone |
| Sub Region | Saint Joseph |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Minimal Intervention |