After introducing the vineyard of Nuits-St-Georges in Burgundy a few weeks ago, we invite you for our second installment to travel to the Northern part of the Rhône to discover not one, but two appellations which are connected in more than one way. CONDRIEU
The appellation is to be found 40km south of Lyon, extends over seven communes – Condrieu, Vérin, St-Michel-sur-Rhône, Chavanay, Malleval, St-Pierre-de-Boeuf, and Limony - and is approximately 140 hectares wide. The vines grow on steep slopes on the right – i.e. West – bank of the Rhône River. The slopes are so steep – with a gradiant sometimes exceeding 50% - that vines can only be cultivated in terraces. Viognier is the exclusive grape grown in Condrieu.
Condrieu, which was declared an A.O.C. in 1940, produces wines with golden highlights and powerful bouquets of field flowers and apricots. The wine is supple with an overall freshness and good length. Enjoy it slightly chilled – not cold – with all fish dishes or foie gras.
CHATEAU-GRILLET
An enclave of Condrieu, the Chateau-Grillet appellation uses the same grape as Condrieu, i.e. Viognier. These vineyards, which have been in existence since the Roman times, are found over two communes – Vérin and St-Michel-sur-Rhône. You could find mentions of this wine in 17th and 18th century travelers’ diaries. It became an A.O.C. in 1936. The Neyret-Gachet family purchased the Chateau-Grillet estate in 1830 and has been its sole owner until recently when François Pinault – owner of Chateau Latour – bought Chateau Grillet.
The appellation produces between 10,000 and 13,000 bottles annually using exclusively Viognier aged for up to two years in oak barrels. In recent years, Chateau Grillet has regained its past stature thanks to the arrival of renowned Bordeaux consultant, Denis Dubourdieu in 2001. “It’s a magical place,” Dubordieu says, “with a taste profile very different from Condrieu – more like a great Chardonnay from the Côte d’Or. It is truly one of the great white wines of France.”
Wines available from both appellations:
2006 E. Guigal Condrieu – reg Price $59.99, discover Price $52.00
Perhaps the finest basic cuvee Guigal has yet made, the 2006 Condrieu exhibits superb acacia flower, white peach, honeysuckle, and mineral characteristics in a medium to full-bodied, gorgeous style with zesty acidity in the background.
2008 Saint Cosme Condrieu – reg Price $69.99, discover Price $61.00
Light, bright gold. Mineral-driven aromas of pear, lime and lemongrass, with a smoky overtone. Racy, sharply focused citrus flavors pack a punch without showing any excess weight and gain sweetness with air. This received 25% new oak but I find the smokiness to be in harmony with the intense fruit. Delicious now but I've seen this bottling age well for at least four years after the vintage.
2005 Chateau Grillet – reg Price $99.99, discover Price $83.00
Light, greenish-gold. Mineral-laced scents of orange, pear and white flowers, plus a subtle spicy quality. Light and precise, offering tangy citrus and honeysuckle flavors, with dusty minerality adding energy. Brisk and graceful, with very good finishing cut. I like this wine's lithe character.
Since some of these have a very limited availability, we highly advise you to reply at your earliest convenience were you to be interested in any of these wines.
