2023 Jean-Louis Chave Selection St. Joseph Circa Organic, Northern Rhone

A  beautifully layered and mineral expression of Marsanne and Roussanne from the Northern Rhône. It’s a stunning showcase of the region’s noble white varieties and of Jean-Louis Chave’s deep understanding of balance, texture and terroir. While his Hermitage Blancs are the stuff of legend, Circa brings the same artistry to St-Joseph — elegant, pure and quietly powerful.

The grapes come from hillside vineyards near Mauves and Tournon, planted on decomposed granite soils that give remarkable tension and minerality. The blend is predominantly Marsanne with a small proportion of Roussanne, all hand harvested and fermented with native yeasts. The wine is matured for about 12 months in a combination of large oak foudres and used barriques, allowing slow integration and gentle lees contact without overt oak influence.

In the glass it gleams pale gold with green reflections. The aroma is refined and complex, showing pear, white peach and acacia blossom interwoven with hints of almond, honey and wet stone. On the palate it is supple and textured, with flavours of quince, citrus zest and melon balanced by a fine mineral line and subtle savoury depth. The finish is long and graceful, carrying a touch of beeswax and salinity that reflects both the granite soils and Chave’s hallmark restraint.

Jean-Louis Chave Sélection St-Joseph Circa pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, grilled lobster, scallops or creamy mushroom dishes. It also complements rich cheeses like Comté or aged Gruyère. While generous on release, it will reward cellaring for up to 10 years, developing waxy, nutty and honeyed complexity with time.