Wines Saint-Péray Domaine Saint Peray Les Figuiers Domaine Bernard Gripa 2017 - 2017

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Bernard Gripa’s Saint-Péray Les Figuiers 2017 is a captivating white wine from the northern Rhône, crafted predominantly from Marsanne, with a possible complement of Roussanne, both emblematic grapes of the region. The 2017 vintage benefited from favourable weather, allowing for full phenolic maturity while maintaining fresh acidity. The vineyard’s terroir is defined by granite and limestone soils, which lend the wine both aromatic purity and a distinct minerality. Fermentation and maturation typically occur in a combination of stainless steel and older oak barrels, encouraging subtle texture and complexity without overwhelming the delicate fruit profile.

The northern Rhône’s Saint-Péray appellation is nestled at the very southern tip of the region, where the influence of the Massif Central creates a unique mesoclimate. Winters are cool, and summers are warm but tempered by the mistral wind, ensuring steady ripening and disease-free grapes. The area’s soils, rich in granite with pockets of limestone and clay, contribute to the wine’s drive and mineral edge. Historically, Saint-Péray was celebrated for its sparkling wines, but in recent decades, producers like Bernard Gripa have demonstrated the remarkable potential of its still whites, characterised by finesse, depth, and ageing potential.

The graceful richness and textural nuance of this Saint-Péray pair beautifully with refined seafood dishes such as scallops in a beurre blanc or grilled lobster. Roast chicken with tarragon or a classic trout almondine will highlight the wine’s nutty undertones. For a regional pairing, a Crottin de Chavignol or other goat’s cheese accentuates its freshness, while poultry with cream sauce embraces its roundness. It can also complement veal blanquette or a mushroom risotto, offering harmonious interplay with earthy flavours.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly chilled, ideally at 10-12°C. Decanting for twenty minutes will allow the aromatic bouquet—white flowers, honeyed peach, and almond—to unfurl, while the palate reveals creamy texture underpinned by bright acidity and savoury minerality. This 2017 Saint-Péray will continue to evolve gracefully over the next few years, rewarding patience with added complexity.