Domaine Monier-Perréol, Saint-Joseph Rouge, Rhône, France, 2022

Overview of the Wine
Jean-Pierre Monier is as happy and as grateful a vigneron as one finds. His small production wines certainly have not made him wealthy (far from it), but his effortless calm and quiet conviction give him an enviable air of simplicity. He is the third generation to be farming in Brunieux, a lieu-dit in the hills above the village of St-Désirat in the Northern Rhône. Like his forefathers, wine is only part of his farm’s overall production. Apricot orchards complement the vineyards, and everything is farmed biodynamically. With only five hectares of land, all on high altitude slopes, one might question the interest in working by such stringent standards; for a joyful artisan like Jean-Pierre, purity and authenticity are paramount.

Located in the Northern Rhône region of Saint Joseph near the town of Saint Désirat, you will find the humble farmer Jean-Pierre Monier.  His father had previously sold the grapes to the local cooperative, however the noticeable quality of the fruit his vines were producing was enough for him to start his own label. In 2008 Jean-Pierre combined his resources with Philippe Perréol in order to help meet the market demand for this tiny domaine. Together they have formed Domaine Monier-Perreol in addition to their individual labels. 

Biodynamic, organic

Grape / Blend
Syrah/Shiraz

Origin
Rhône, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Jean-Pierre has long been in accordance with the biodynamic calendar, and erred on the side of minimal SO2 and low-intervention in his winemaking process. The Syrah vines for 'Châtelet' are planted on granite and loess soils on a .61 ha plot of land.  The fruit is 100% destemmed and aged in used barrels for a year.  Châtelet is bursting with lush blackberry & blueberry.  Underlying notes of raspberry and licorice on the back end, following through on the finish with crushed rocks and dark minerals.  Give this one a bit of time in the cellar before pulling the cork.

Product size: 750ml