Saint-Joseph Les Royes 2021 – Domaine Courbis

The grapes to produce Saint-Joseph Les Royes Domaine Courbis were hand harvested, destemmed and lightly pressed. Vinification took place in sealed temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at 30 to 32°C. The Saint-Joseph Les Royes Domaine Courbis maceration lasted 12 to 15 days, during which time the desired level of colour, flavours and fine tannins were extracted. The wine was aged in oak, of which 20% was new, for a period of 16 to 18 months.

Located in a picturesque valley and surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, the Royes vineyard forms an amphitheatre and covers six hectares. This is a spectacular Saint Joseph site, on South facing steep slopes, situated on the edge of Cornas. The soil is made up of clay and limestone, which imparts elegance to the resulting wine.

Domaine Courbis dates from the 16th century and has been handed down from father to son since the start of the 20th century. It is now under the dynamic partnership of two brothers: Laurent, who is responsible for winemaking, and Dominique who looks after the vineyard. The vineyard currently extends to 35 hectares (including eight hectares in Cornas, five hectares in Saint Joseph Blanc and 19 hectares in Saint Joseph Rouge) in the communes of Châteaubourg and Cornas. The vines are planted on steep hillsides and the cellar is modern and equipped with temperature controlled stainless steel tanks and oak casks. The wines of Domaine Courbis are of extremely high quality and are consistently met with worldwide acclaim.