2022 Pierre-Jean Villa St. Joseph Blanc Saut de l’Ange
The Best of Two Wine Worlds
April 5, 2025
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Saint Joseph is a relatively large wine-growing area in northern Rome, where there is some variation in the quality of the wines. The reds are 100% Syrah; the whites, usually a blend of Marsanne, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc. Depending on the slope, the quality varies from middling good to very good indeed, with Chave’s the best of the pack.
Recently, we came across a white St. Joseph that is extraordinary.
The Saut de l’Ange, (Angel’s Leap) is pure Roussanne, a grape that can produce a white fruit that evokes an admixture of quince and peach. This is not a fat, unctuous Roussanne of the southern Rhone exemplified by Beaucastel’s super-premium white Chateauneuf. Nor is it the lean, thin Roussanne from further north in the upper reaches of the Loire or Switzerland
It is the best of both, with the ripe fruit of the south and the exciting verve of of the north ina measured acidity, that excites and appetizes the palate Drink it with fish, Asian cuisine especially with seafood, or goat cheese.
The winemaker is the incredibly talented Pierre-Jean Villa who has been receiving accolades for his nuanced, rich winemaking in the Rhone, Burgundy and Roussillon. He cool ferments and ages the wine in a mix of barrel and concrete.
Revue du Vin de France loved it “The Saint-Joseph Saut de l'Ange is wonderfully characteristic 100% Roussanne, with its notes of yellow fruits and flowers, but above all a very beautiful tension that holds it and gives it an elegant side. You don’t have to rush to drink it”.
It impressed me, also.
Aroma; impressive concentration and depth with vibrant peach and herb; Mouth smooth nicely structured and vibrant, with a saline mineral note giving savory depth. Very good energy, long. Excellent Plus
2022 Pierre-Jean Villa St, Joseph Blanc Saut de l’Ange
$75, Case of 6 $384, ($64)
In stock, limited quantity
Len Rothenberg
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