The Saint-Joseph vineyard sits upon the 45th parallel, planted on steep hillsides on the right bank of the River Rhône that have been carved into terraces since ancient times. It was formerly known as ‘Vin de Mauves’, but the Jesuits gave it its current name in the 17th century. In the 20th century, the winemakers formed a union to protect the Saint Joseph name, and in 1956, the Saint Joseph's appellation became official. The name of this Saint-Joseph cuvée comes from the Victor Hugo’s novel ‘Légende des Siècles’. In the 9th century, the Grand Pompée, faithful companion to Charlemagne, fought at his side against the Moors, on the right bank of the Rhône. A famous line remains from this battle: ‘And wine, that wine beloved of the Grand Pompée’. The vineyard parcels are on very steep slopes with south to southeastern orientation, where the light soils are comprised of schist and gneiss resting on a granite base. The vines are between 10 to 30 years old and yield 35hl/ha.