Château-Grillet

France · AOC · Rhône Valley

Styles

Natural factors

Substrate from the Primary era: granitic sand (arène) soils, identical to those of the 'Condrieu' vineyard.
Warm, sunny mesoclimate, sheltered from northerly winds by a promontory running perpendicular to the axis of the Rhône. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
Amphitheatre-like landscape of steep slopes: vines on narrow terraces called 'cheys', held in place by dry-stone walls known as 'chaillées'.
Fractured subsoil allowing the roots of viognier to draw water and minerals from depth.
Geographic zone restricted to two communes in the Loire département: Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône and Vérin.

Human factors

AOC granted on 8 Dec. 1936; viognier B, the sole variety planted, is mentioned as early as 1781 in the natural history of the Dauphiné. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
The wine is bottled in an Alsace flute (an elongated brown bottle), a practice in continuous use since at least the decree of 3 June 1959.

Product characteristics

Golden-yellow appearance with golden highlights; nose of violet, apricot, marzipan, honey, peach, and white flowers after aeration.
A great age-worthy wine requiring several years before reaching its peak: rich, full palate, lively acidity, apricot aromas. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)

Terroir / wine link

The mesoclimate of the south-facing hillsides allows viognier to express minerality and aromas of yellow fruits (peach, apricot) with freshness.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.