DESCRIPTION
History and terroir
The Tardieu-Laurent Saint-Joseph Blanc Vieilles Vignes 2021 tells the story of a challenging… but magnificent vintage. Historic frost in spring, renewed vigor in summer, beautiful late season: 2021 gave birth to a fresh, vibrant white wine, very “Northern Rhône”. The old vines of Marsanne (85%) and Roussanne (15%) come from emblematic hillsides (Les Oliviers, La Ribaudy, La Roue, Rochecourbe) where the depth of the granite gives the wines a natural tension and an unadorned elegance.
Winemaking
At Tardieu-Laurent, they work with the precision of a goldsmith. This Saint-Joseph Vieilles Vignes is aged 12 months in a combination of new barrels and barriques that have already been used once or twice. A combination that provides texture and depth. No fining, barely perceptible filtration: the idea is to let the fruit, the vintage, and the house style speak for themselves. 2021 thus yields a luminous, perfectly chiseled white wine.
Tasting and Pairings
The Saint-Joseph Blanc 2021 unveils an irresistible nose: Williams pear, white almond, mirabelle plum, with a touch of vanilla and orange blossom that gives it an incredible charm. The palate is ample, smooth, almost satiny, but carried by a freshness that lengthens everything. A gastronomic white wine, ideal with seared scallops, pan-fried foie gras, roasted poultry, a creamy risotto, or quite simply a well-aged soft cheese.
REGION
Rhône
France
The Rhône Valley is a historic cradle of French winemaking, stretching from Lyon to Provence and home to over 5,000 estates. In the north, steep hillsides yield intensely expressive Syrahs (Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage) and outstanding whites like Condrieu, made from Viognier. Further south, the diversity of soils—rolled pebbles, sand, and slopes—gives rise to powerful, generous reds (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas) based on Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. A gastronomic heartland, the region offers endless unforgettable food and wine pairings.