The wines of Saint-Joseph are generally rustic. [Syrah](/syrah) grown in this part of the Northern [Rhône Valley](/region/rhone-valley) give rich and ripe black fruit characterised by spicy notes of black pepper and floral perfumes. Vineyards are planted along steep vineyard terraces cut into the rock along the right bank of the Rhône River. A small amount of white wine is also produced here using the traditional white varieties of the area, [Marsanne](/marsanne) and Rousanne. Few producers have built their reputation off the back of these wines, but [Domaine Bernard Gripa](/producer/domaine-bernard-gripa) is a name that stands out for [their truly excellent Saint Joseph Blanc](/wine/domaine-bernard-gripa-saint-joseph-aoc-blanc).