Saint-Joseph Blanc (2021) - Dard et Ribo

Dard et Ribo are among the pioneers of natural wine in the Rhône Valley. They make their wines without chemical intervention, with spontaneous fermentations and minimal sulphite additions, preserving the authentic expression of the terroir.

The appellation: Saint-Joseph AOC

Saint-Joseph AOC is a prestigious appellation in the northern Rhône Valley, in France. Stretching along the western bank of the river Rhône, between Condrieu and Cornas, this AOC is renowned for its elegant Syrah-based reds and for its refined white wines made from Marsanne and Roussanne.

What to eat with Saint-Joseph Blanc

Who makes it: Dard et Ribo

Dard et Ribo is one of the most iconic estates in the northern Rhône Valley, a byword for natural, non-interventionist winegrowing. Founded in the 1980s by René-Jean Dard and François Ribo, it built its name on unfiltered Syrah and Marsanne, minimal sulphur and spontaneous fermentations. The vineyards sit in the Rhône's most prestigious appellations, among them Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and Hermitage, farmed entirely organically and biodynamically. Their philosophy is clear: to make pure, vibrant, honest wines that speak of their place without being manipulated.

The vine of Saint-Joseph Blanc

Marsanne

Marsanne is one of the most representative white grape varieties of the northern Rhône Valley. It is grown mainly in the prestigious appellations of Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Péray. Its origin is linked to the town of Marsanne in the Drôme department, and its history has been intertwined with the viticulture of this region for centuries.Marsanne stands out for its ability to produce elegant, long-lived wines that evolve magnificently over time. It is often vinified as a single variety, but in many appellations it is paired with Roussanne, which adds freshness and aromatics. Compared with Roussanne, Marsanne tends to give fuller-bodied wines, with lower acidity and greater structure.From an ampelographic point of view, Marsanne has medium-sized bunches, with thick-skinned, golden-yellow berries. This characteristic makes it ideal for coping with the hot Rhône summers, maintaining a good balance between sugars and acidity.

Roussanne

Roussanne is a white grape variety originally from the Rhône Valley, in France, known for its elegance, complexity and longevity. Used both as a single variety and in blends, above all with Marsanne, it is a key grape in the production of the great white wines of the northern Rhône and the southern Côtes du Rhône. Thanks to its structure and rich aromatic component, Roussanne has also spread to other wine regions, such as California and Italy, where it is prized for its ability to express a unique, refined character.

Saint-Joseph Blanc: the area

Climate: Continental

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Rocky / granite

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Saint-Joseph Blanc

Primary aromas: Pear, white peach, wild flowers

Secondary aromas: Fresh almond, honey

Tertiary aromas: Mineral notes and light shades of sweet spices

Tasting notes: A natural white, fresh and vibrant. On the nose it shows fruity and floral aromas, with a touch of honey and almond. On the palate it is balanced, with a fine mineral tension and a creamy structure that closes on a lingering, savoury finish.