Condrieu

France · AOC · Rhône Valley

Styles

Natural factors

Narrow terraces ('chaillées') held in place by dry-stone walls ('cheys') to stabilise fragile soils on steep slopes.
Localised presence of glacial aeolian deposits (loess) in the form of highly punctual 'lentilles'.
The 'Bise', a cold, dry northerly wind, limits cryptogamic diseases and encourages a south/south-easterly vineyard orientation to provide shelter from it.
Delimited zone covering 7 communes spread across 3 départements (Rhône, Loire, Ardèche), on the eastern edge of the Massif central.

Human factors

Single variety: viognier B, mentioned as early as 1781 in the natural history of the Dauphiné under the name 'Vionnier'.
In 1965, only approximately 8 ha of viognier remained in the world; replanting brought the vineyard area to more than 140 ha by 2010.

Product characteristics

Golden robe with intense gilded highlights; nose of peach, apricot, violet, and white blossom.
The palate is powerful, rich, and supple, underpinned by a freshness that lends it a long aromatic finish.

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