Aymeric Paillard ‘Petit Père’ Saint-Joseph Rouge 2017

Location: France, Rhône, Saint-Joseph

Winemaker: Aymeric Paillard

Grapes: Syrah

Winemaking: fermented whole-cluster and semi-carbonic. Aged 24 months in 228 and 600L barrels that are 2 to 10 years old. Aymeric does not fine or filtrate during bottling and uses the minimum amount of sulfites (total 36mg/l).

Saint-Joseph: The wine has a tannic structure yet has finesse, tension and already shows maturation. A couch-sipper that can still stand up to heavier dishes.

From the importer Avant Garde: Aymeric Paillard, from Domaine la Vigne des Peres, is a young winemaker who settled in Tournon after touring France in 2011. His vineyards are located in Sarras and his first vintage was 2014.

Aymeric has farmed organically since day 1 and started certification in 2019. He has 4.4ha planted in St Joseph and 1ha of land in Cornas. The Syrah is planted on mid slopes, slopes and plateaus with granite, quartz and gneiss soil. The Syrah is grown on 30 year old vines. Aymeric replanted vines of Serine several years ago.

The work in the vineyards is strictly by hand and horse and cover crop. When sulfur or copper is used, Aymeric mixes the preparation with local seasonal plants. His aim is to find freshness and balance.