Equis Saint-Joseph Rouge 2020

Equis Saint-Joseph Rouge comes from two organically farmed parcels on the granite slopes of Saint-Jean-de-Muzols.

Equis is the label Maxime Graillot uses for wines made from bought-in fruit, and this one draws on the historic core of Saint-Joseph, directly across the river from the hill of Hermitage. The slopes here are steep enough that all work must be done by hand or with a horse, and the Desbos family farms them organically, without herbicides. Three-quarters of the fruit comes from Syrah planted in the 1980s, the remainder from vines dating to the 1950s. Fermentation includes around 20 to 30 per cent whole bunches. The wine then spends eleven months in used ex-Burgundy 228-litre casks followed by six months in tronconique vats, and is bottled unfiltered. The style is deep and stony rather than plush, in the older northern Rhône manner.

Drinking now and holding for another five years or so. Serve at 16-18°C with lamb chops, braised beef or a herb-crusted rack of venison.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.