Wine of the Week: J.L. Chave Sélection “Offerus” Saint-Joseph, 2018

This week’s Wine of the Week is a bottle from the northern Rhône Valley AOC of Saint-Joseph for just the right price.

Lovers of northern Rhône wines know it’s sometimes hard to find a bottle that fits a budget. It’s tough – you love this style of wine a lot, but can’t afford to drink Côte Rôtie or Hermitage on the regular.

Enter Saint-Joseph. Not a perfect substitute for die-hards, but a great alternative for northern Rhône wine explorers on a budget. You can usually find these bottles of the Syrah you know and love for way less than some of the other northern Cru wines, and bottles from Saint-Joseph still deliver.

Saint-Joseph AOC is located on the right bank of the Rhône River, slightly northwest and across the river from Hermitage. It’s an AOC that primarily produces red wine (90%), but whites are allowed, although, produced in much smaller quantities. Up to 10% Marsanne and/or Roussanne is permitted in the red wines.

J.L. Chave Sélection “Offerus” Saint-Joseph

The Chave family has been making wine in the Rhône Valley since 1481. Jean-Louis Chave now runs the family operation, since 1993, with 16 generations of family winemaking history in the region.

Offerus is 100% Syrah and is made with grapes grown in organic vineyards in the communities of Mauves, Tournon, and St. Jean de Muzols in Saint-Joseph. Jean-Louis owns each vineyard site farmed for this wine.

Raspberry and black pepper dominate on the nose, with aromas of blueberry, blackberry, and dried violets also present. In the mouth, the wine is lively and fresh. There is a mix of fruit flavors, but peppery spice shines through; soft but present tannins, with a long red fruit finish.

The best part? This lovely bottle has an SRP of under $35. Much easier to manage for Rhône wine-os on a budget.

Grab it at Mr. D Wine Merchant for $34.

Find more Wine of the Week selections by visiting our wine page.