Saint Joseph Blanc “Croix de Chabot” (2021) - Yannick Alléno & Michel Chapoutier

The Saint Joseph Blanc “Croix de Chabot” is the result of the collaboration between starred chef Yannick Alléno and winemaker Michel Chapoutier, both passionate about the Saint-Joseph region and its unique terroir. The name "Croix de Chabot" comes from a historic cross standing in the vines themselves, a landmark for passing pilgrims.

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 “Croix de Chabot”

Who makes it: Yannick Alléno & Michel Chapoutier

The meeting between chef Yannick Alléno, an icon of French gastronomy, and the visionary winegrower Michel Chapoutier, master of the Rhône, has given rise to an extraordinary collection of wines. This collaboration combines Alléno’s culinary rigour and creativity with Chapoutier’s winemaking savoir-faire, giving rise to wines that reflect the terroir in an authentic and refined way.

The vine of Saint Joseph Blanc “Croix de Chabot”

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.

Saint Joseph Blanc “Croix de Chabot”: the area of Saint-Joseph

Climate: Continental

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

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: River

Profile of Saint Joseph Blanc “Croix de Chabot”

Primary aromas: White flowers (acacia, lime blossom), white-fleshed fruit (pear, peach)

Secondary aromas: Notes of honey, butter and vanilla deriving from ageing in wood

Tertiary aromas: Light hints of toasted almond and sweet spices

Tasting notes: Saint Joseph Blanc "Croix de Chabot" (2021) - Yannick Alléno & Michel Chapoutier is a wine with character, with an aromatic bouquet rich in fruity and floral notes. On the palate it shows a well-balanced structure and an intense, lingering flavour that reveals shades of citrus and flint. A wine that fully expresses the terroir it comes from.