Domaine Verzier, St Joseph Blanc, Granit, 2023

France, Northern Rhône. 50% Marsanne, 50%

The appellation of St Joseph sits in the Northern Rhône and maps the river from Condrieu to Cornas: nearly 50km in length. 90% of the wines are red, so this St Joseph Blanc is a bit of a rarity. An equal blend of Rosanne and Marsanne make this exquisite wine with 90% ageing in barrel and the other 10% in clay amphorae.

The Verzier family, who make this wine, have owned the land since 1828, and it is based around 50km south of Lyon, close to the Condrieu border. It is very much a family business with five members currently involved in its operations.

Deep golden colour, with rich fruit and oak flavours on the nose. There is considerable weight in this wine combined with structure and concentration. And length. The combination of grapes gives a slightly and persuasive oily texture to the wine that definitely needs food. Chicken stuffed with mushrooms and foie gras, a dense cheese soufflé, chips covered in an abundance of truffle oil and lightly grated Parmesan, a strongly vibrant chicken chasseur. Not for the light-hearted. It is a joy to drink.

£29.66 - Stone, Vine and Sun

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