HUGO VERCASSON
Saint - Joseph, Rhône | FRANCE
Born in 1999, Hugo Vercasson represents a compelling new generation in the northern Rhône. Based in the southern reaches of the Saint-Joseph appellation, he is already crafting wines of precision and quiet authority.
After graduating, Hugo honed his skills at Domaine de l'Iserand, mentored by family friend and neighbour Hervé Souhaut. In 2021, he launched his own project, taking over steep, high-altitude parcels in Arras-sur-Rhône and Eclassan, at the southern edge of the appellation — dramatic slopes that demand commitment and meticulous manual work.
Today, he works just 2 hectares, allowing for an intimate, detail-driven approach both in vineyard and cellar. Hugo farms organically, with as much manual labour as possible on the steep terraces.
In the cellar, his philosophy is restrained and purposeful: whole-bunch fermentation for the reds to achieve finesse and refined tannins, direct pressing for the white to preserve clarity and lift. Fermentations take place in stainless steel; the reds are then aged in amphorae, while the white remains in steel. All wines mature for 12 months before bottling.
The result is a small but striking range of Rhône varieties — precise, expressive and deeply rooted in place, carried by the energy and focus of a young and ambitious vigneron.
Crafted from a blend of Marsanne and Viognier, is a beautiful reflection of the Saint-Joseph terroir. The nose offers an intriguing mix of lanolin, beeswax, and soft honeyed notes, complemented by a rich blend of ripe white peach and apricot. On the palate, the wine is complex and round, with a deep, mouth-filling texture that balances its vibrant acidity. A slight minerality adds depth, while the finish is long and soft, leaving a lasting impression of richness and elegance. This is a wine that is both luxurious and approachable, showcasing incredible depth and finesse.
Winemaker | Hugo Vercasson
Region | Saint-Joseph, Rhône, France
Variety | Viognier
Viticulture | Organic
Soil | Granite
Altitude | 400 m
Age of the vines | 25 years
Bottles made | 1800 bottles
Vinification
Careful direct pressing of the Marsanne and Viognier grapes, ensuring a gentle extraction of the fruit’s purest flavors. The juice is then fermented and aged in inox (stainless steel), preserving the freshness and crispness of the grapes while allowing their inherent complexity to unfold. This method highlights the purity of the varietals, ensuring that the wine retains its vibrant acidity, delicate textures, and clean, mineral character, while still allowing the richness and depth of the fruit to shine through in a beautifully balanced wine.
The nose is deep and complex, with layers of blackberries, plums, and a touch of smoked meat, intertwined with hints of black pepper and herbs. On the palate, it’s bold yet refined, with vibrant acidity that lifts the rich, dark fruit flavors. The soft extraction of tannins, resulting in a smooth, elegant texture. Aged in amphora, the wine gains added depth and a subtle earthy quality, with a finish that’s both long and silky, leaving behind a hint of spice and mineral freshness. This is a Syrah that balances power and finesse beautifully.
Winemaker | Hugo Vercasson
Region | Saint-Joseph, Rhône, France
Variety | Syrah, Viognier
Viticulture | Organic
Soil | Granite
Altitude | 400 m
Age of the vines | 25 years
Bottles made | 2400 bottles
Vinification
The focus is on gentle extraction to highlight the purity and depth of the fruit. The grapes undergo whole bunch crushing, followed by two weeks of hand punch-downs, allowing for a soft, gradual extraction of tannins and flavors. This method ensures the wine maintains its elegance while developing complexity. After fermentation, the wine is aged in amphora, which enhances its texture and imparts a subtle earthy character, while maintaining freshness and highlighting the mineral qualities of the Saint-Joseph terroir. The result is a refined, balanced red with rich fruit and a nuanced, smooth finish.
Captivateing deep rich bouquet of ripe blackberries, blueberries, and earthy notes reminiscent of wet stones. Subtle hints of cracked black pepper and a delicate smokiness add complexity. On the palate, it reveals juicy blackberry flavours intertwined with savoury minerals, reflecting the rugged terroir. Velvety texture and fine-grained tannins provide structure, while a lingering finish echoes dark berries and a touch of smoke, embodying this epic Syrah worth cellaring.
Winemaker | Hugo Vercasson
Region | Saint-Joseph, Rhône, France
Variety | Syrah
Viticulture | Organic
Soil | Granite
Altitude | 400 m
Age of the vines | 25 years
Bottles made | 1800 bottles
Vinification
The grapes are whole bunch crushed and macerated for 15 days. After gentle pressing the wine ages in Amphora for 9 months. Bottled without fining, filtration or the additions of sulphur.