The northern Rhone is home to this Syrah-producing appellation. It also produces some whites from Marsanne, and a little Roussanne.
It is a large appellation, having expanded rapidly in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s. By the mid 2000s, the appellation’s vineyard area had reached close to 1000ha.
St Joseph sits on the west bank of the Rhone and many vineyards face east, meaning the vineyards don’t have as many hours in the sun. As a result, the wines tend to be lighter and earlier drinking than some of the other northern Rhone appellations including Hermitage and Cornas.
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