Saint Peray Wines
Saint Péray is the most southerly, smallest (excepting the single vineyard monopole of Château Grillet) and least well-known appellation of the Northern Rhône. Nestled beneath Cornas on the western bank of the Rhône, Saint Péray is a specialist white and sparkling white wine appellation where a score of growers blend various proportions of Marsanne, Roussanne and Roussette catering for a predominantly local clientele. Today the majority of Saint Péray is produced as a sideline by Cornas growers keen to have some white wine in their portfolio. Jean-Louis Thiers presides over a precious 5 hectares of Saint Péray and he is first and foremost a Saint Péray producer. In its 19th century heyday, Saint Péray was one of France’s most celebrated wines, frequently out-pricing Champagne.
White