M. Chapoutier Les Granits 2025

Les Granits is M. Chapoutier's Saint-Joseph, made from Syrah on the steep granite slopes above the river in the northern Rhône. The wine takes its name from those decomposed granite soils, which are poor and free-draining, forcing the vines deep and giving Syrah its fine tannin, dark fruit and stony, savoury character. The northern Rhône climate is cooler than the south, and the slopes need hand work on terraces, so yields are low and ripening is even. Chapoutier farms biodynamically, keeping intervention to a minimum so the granite character comes through clearly. The wine is aged eighteen months in barrel, where measured oxygen exchange softens the tannins and adds depth without covering the fruit. The colour is deep and intense. The nose is pronounced, with dark red berries and plum over black pepper, cured olive, smoke, leather and an earthy, mineral edge typical of granite-grown Syrah. The palate is elegant and structured, the fine tannins and fresh acidity giving lift and a long, peppery, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18C, decanted; it suits grilled red meats, game and mushrooms.