Saint-Joseph wine trail, detours through the vineyards

Start at the car park on Place de Marché

(S/E) Cross the Place du Marché, then turn left onto Rue de Labrot and continue straight ahead until you reach the bridge.

(1) Turn right, then left onto the street that runs alongside the railway line. Continue straight ahead and pass under a bridge to cross the main road and reach the Saint-Joseph vineyards. Follow the vineyards and, at the end, you will arrive at the first point: Le Loess.

(2) Follow the paved road to the intersection in the middle of the vineyards.

(3) At the signpost, turn left onto the path through the vineyards. After a few minutes' walk, you will see the second point on your left: the granite base.

(4) Continue along this path, taking time to enjoy the view, until you reach the next intersection. Go down the path on the left into the forest, and you will arrive at the third point: a small corner of the forest.

(5) Keep going. A little further along this path, you will arrive at point 4: Éperon rocheux (rocky spur).

(6) Continue until you reach the road, then take the paved section on the left, which is rarely used by cars. Stay alert nonetheless. The Chalaix stream flows on your right. Point 5 is just before the bridge: Pont Romain.

(7) Continue downhill. Still downhill, you will come to an intersection.

(8) Turn left along the main road. Before turning, point 6 is on a metal post on your left: Terrace construction. Continue along the road. There is a bench on your left and the last point on this route: Le renouveau du Saint-Joseph. Go under the bridge, follow the railway line, go over it, then turn left and continue straight ahead to the end of the street. Turn left until you reach the crossroads you came from.

(1) Continue right and return to the square (S/E).

Saint Joseph
Along with Côte Rôtie, Saint Péray, Hermitage, Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Saint Joseph is one of the most prestigious wines of the Côtes du Rhône. Its appellation covers 670 hectares and 26 communes, most of which are located in the Ardèche, on steep south/south-east facing slopes. This wine has a long history. It is said to have been much appreciated by Charlemagne. It was formerly known as "vin de Mauves". Indeed, the appellation's birthplace lies between Mauves and Tournon-sur-Rhône. The Saint Joseph appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) was obtained in 1956 and restructured for better quality in 1994. Saint Joseph red wines are made from the Syrah grape variety. They are defined as light and subtle wines with aromas of raspberry, pepper and blackcurrant, delicious with poultry and certain cheeses. The whites (made from Marsanne and Roussanne grapes) are said to be full-bodied with floral, fruity and honeyed aromas and go well with Caillé Doux de Saint Félicien cheese. my brother made him drink a little of this fine Mauves wine, which he himself does not drink, because he says it is very expensive..." Les Misérables, Victor Hugo

View
View of the village of Mauves and the majestic Rhône valley