Domaine Courbis Saint Joseph Les Royes 2021

The Saint-Joseph Les Royes vineyard is located in the heart of the Northern Rhone, one of France's most renowned wine regions. The Saint-Joseph AOC, particularly the "Les Royes" site, is situated near the Cornas appellation. This valley's south-facing slopes benefit from optimal sunlight exposure, promoting grape ripening. The terroir is marked by a combination of clay and limestone soils, which imparts the wine with a fine balance and elegance. The vineyard's natural amphitheatre shape, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, adds a unique character to the wines produced here.

The Saint-Joseph Les Royes is a classic red wine made from Syrah, the signature grape of the Northern Rhone. This wine is a perfect example of the region's ability to produce full-bodied, yet refined red wines, displaying both power and finesse. The Syrah grapes deliver dark, ripe fruit flavours balanced by the region's signature minerality​.

The grapes for this wine are hand-harvested, ensuring only the best fruit is selected. After being destemmed, they undergo fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, which helps preserve the fresh fruit character. Maceration lasts for 12 to 15 days to extract the right balance of colour, flavours, and tannins. The wine is then aged for 16 to 18 months in oak barrels, 20% of which are new, allowing subtle oak influences to integrate with the fruit.

The Saint-Joseph Les Royes 2021 offers a bouquet of ripe cassis and dark berries, accompanied by smoky and toasty nuances from its oak ageing. On the palate, it is smooth and concentrated, with silky tannins that provide structure without being overpowering. The wine finishes with a long, persistent aftertaste. The smoky undertones add a layer of complexity that evolves beautifully as the wine opens up​.

This wine's rich, complex character makes it an ideal match for roasted meats such as lamb or beef, as well as grilled poultry. It would also pair wonderfully with dishes featuring earthy flavours, like mushrooms or truffle-based recipes. For cheese lovers, consider pairing it with robust, aged cheeses like Comte or a well-cured Manchego.