Jean-Michel Gérin : Saint-Joseph 2024

The elegance and depth of a Saint-Joseph by Jean-Michel Gérin

The estate

Founded in 1983 by Jean-Michel Gérin, the eponymous estate is located in Ampuis, in the heart of the Rhône Valley. A pioneer in the revival of Côte-Rôtie, the estate now spans around twenty hectares of vineyards. Now run by his sons, Michaël and Alexis Gérin, the domaine carries on the family's expertise while looking to the future. Under their leadership, the estate achieved organic certification in 2023, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable practices on these steep and demanding terroirs.

The vineyard

The grapes for this Saint-Joseph come from vines aged twenty to thirty years, rooted in granite soils. This terroir is characterised by extremely steep slopes, sometimes reaching a 60% gradient. These dizzying topographical conditions demand rigorous manual work. The grapes are therefore harvested entirely by hand, then transported in small crates to preserve the integrity of the berries before they reach the winery.

The vintage

2024 was marked by an intense heatwave in August. These elevated summer temperatures considerably accelerated grape ripening, resulting in a harvest roughly three weeks earlier than the usual cycle.

Winemaking and aging

This wine is crafted using traditional methods. After complete destemming, maceration lasts around three weeks to gently extract colour and aromas. The wine is then aged for fifteen months in oak barrels that have previously held two to four wines, a careful choice that lends a subtle woody patina without masking the brightness of the fruit.

Grape variety

Syrah (100%)

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Saint-Joseph 2024 by Jean-Michel Gérin

Tasting notes

Color
Vivid and bright, the red colour reveals purple hues typical of its youth.

Nose
Wonderfully intense, the bouquet reveals aromas of dark berries such as blackcurrant, blackberry and cherry, enhanced by peppery and spicy notes. A mineral touch of crushed stone and cedar adds a pleasant freshness.

Palate
Elegant and airy, the palate offers supple tannins. It unfolds complex flavours of dark fruit, leather, fresh earth and sweet spices, combining depth and refinement without any heaviness.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs wonderfully with slow-cooked meats such as beef bourguignon or lamb roasted with garlic and rosemary. It will also surprise alongside meaty white fish, such as turbot served with a citrus vinaigrette, or with well-aged hard cheeses like mature Comté.

Service and storage

It is recommended to decant this wine in its youth to release all its aromas. Ready to enjoy now, it will reach its peak between 2027 and 2031, and can be kept until around 2033.