Tasting Note

Big, dark, haunting, spice, anise, liquorice, blackberries and then a floral lift. This is drinking St Joseph - it is big and powerful, but really drinkable and they have kept the alcohol (13%) under control as well. A brilliant wine.

Producer

Back in 2004, François Dauvergne and Jean-François Ranvier decided to start making wine. They came up with a different approach however. Instead of buying masses of vineyards, establishing a co-operative or buying grapes or finished wines from growers, they came up with their own approach.

After 30 years in the wine trade they knew that the people who knew the most about the vineyards were the people who have owned and tended them for years, sometimes generations. Throughout the year, they keep in contact with the grape growers, helping them with consultancy in exchange for grapes. Then once the grapes are ripe they work together to optimise the timing of the harvest, before their skill as winemakers kicks in and they make the wines.

I visited them in September 2024 at their purpose built positive energy cellar in Tavel, and what struck me was that there was a family vibe about the place. Usually when you visit producers, the families that have been there for generations have a certain 'feel'. This is something that you don't get with producers who are relatively new to making wine. It is a bit like a wok - they only start making really good food once they have had time to season and get used to doing it. Dauvergne Ranvier had that seasoned in feeling - as if they had been doing it for years!