Domaine des Pierres Sèches, Sylvain Gauthier Saint Joseph

Fresh and vibrant, this Saint-Joseph leaps from the glass. Sylvain Gauthier takes a Burgundian approach in his winery, using small 228-litre barrels. His Syrah shines with opulent, expressive flavors of red and black cherries, cracked black pepper, and cloves, all intertwined with herbal garrigue and a smoky undertone. A true delight, it shows brilliantly in its youth.

Sylvain Gauthier is a rising star in Saint-Joseph. Originally from the Moselle region, where his father had an organic vineyard, Sylvain moved to the Rhône to work at Domaine du Tunnel in Cornas and Chapoutier. In 2007, he discovered vineyards around Cheminas on steep granite slopes and terraces. Gradually, he expanded his domaine, which now spans 10 hectares—7 in the Saint-Joseph appellation and 3 in the higher-altitude Vin de Pays. In 2020, he built a new cellar high up in the hills above Ozon, allowing for even greater precision in his winemaking.

The wine is made from 100% Syrah grown on granite terroir from steep-sided terraces. The vines range in age, from young to over 50 years old, and are farmed using organic practices, with certification pending. Grapes are hand-harvested, transported in 20kg boxes, and sorted before partial destemming. Fermentation lasts three weeks in stainless steel with native yeasts. The wine is then aged for 12 months in 228-litre barrels.