Condrieu

Overview

The Condrieu appellation is located as a direct continuation of Cote Rotie, in the north of the Rhone Valley. White wines from here must be 100% Viognier, a trait it shares with the tiny Chateau Grillet appellation, which sits like a pearl within the amphitheatre-like shell that makes up most of Condrieu itself.

Vineyards are planted on south- and south-east facing granite slopes – with topsoil of flint and mica – that rise from the banks of the Rhone River. The appellation covers a total of 170 hectares, including the tiny 4-ha Chateau Grillet appellation which is located within Condrieu’s boundaries.

Key Grape Variety

Condrieu, and Grillet, are the only areas, in the world, that somehow restrains the exotic opulence that wines of Viognier produce, and lifts what is more often than not an exaggeratedly perfumed white wine into wines of great finesse and beauty, which easily places them amongst the world’s greatest white wines. The whites from Condrieu can age with grace, thus enhancing their textural complexity while retaining a freshness and integrity that defines the great wines of the world. 

Food Pairing

Classic wine food matches for Condrieu include rich shellfish dishes, like crab, lobster, and scallops, along with white meats like chicken, rabbit and pork, especially when served with creamy sauces; but also roast quail with foie gras, partridge with apricot sauce, Peking Duck and pork with Asian spice. Creamy and buttery cheeses also tend to work well.

Key Producers

We offer some of the great Condrieu from the following producers: Just click on any of the links below to find them:

• Domaine Georges Vernay
• Etienne Guigal