Wine jewel of the Rhône Valley, the Condrieu appellation is famous and celebrated for its exceptional white wines. Nestled on the right bank of the Rhône, the vineyard is entirely dedicated to the single Viognier grape variety and is located just below another renowned AOC: Côte Rôtie.
Now enjoying a very strong reputation in France as well as internationally, the appellation has nevertheless experienced ups and downs and was even close to disappearing! This article offers you a journey that will undoubtedly allow you to better get to know Condrieu, its terroirs, its wines, and how to ideally enjoy them.
Happy reading!
Summary
History of the Condrieu AOC
The beginnings of Condrieu's wine history date back to Antiquity, and more precisely to the Greek era, a period during which it is attested that a vineyard already existed on these lands.Then, at the beginning of our era, in 92 AD, the Roman emperor Domitian had the local vines uprooted before, two centuries later, Probus finally decided to massively replant Viognier.
At the fall of the Roman Empire, vine cultivation declined sharply but was maintained by the monks until, several centuries later, it achieved a certain renown.
In the 12th century, the wines of Condrieu indeed enjoyed a solid reputation, and this for several generations already. In the 14th century, the popes of Avignon also made bottles of Condrieu one of their preferred choices.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the vineyard faced numerous upheavals: the phylloxera crisis, industrialization, the First and Second World Wars then led to an almost complete abandonment of Viognier cultivation in the region.Thus, although the appellation was officially created in 1940, only about ten hectares remained cultivated in the region after the Second World War!
Fortunately, a few passionate winemakers revived the cultivation of Viognier in the 1980s, a decade during which they replanted several abandoned hillsides and rebuilt many small stone walls.
In 1986, the appellation area was even reduced to keep only the best plots! The Condrieu appellation area now covers 200 hectares spread over 6 communes: Condrieu, Chavanay, Malleval, Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône, Vérin, and Saint-Pierre-de-Bœuf.
The last few decades have probably been the most successful for the appellation, and the prices of its wines have continued to soar for the past 40 years. Condrieu wines are now indeed considered among the greatest Viogniers in the world and are found on the finest gastronomic tables.
Map of the Northern Rhône Valley
Climate and soils of Condrieu
Ideal for viticulture, the climate of Condrieu is semi-continental with Mediterranean influences. Summers are therefore hot and dry, while winters are cold. This climate is ideal for the maturation of Viognier, allowing the grape variety to develop its great aromatic richness.
Often located on steep slopes, the vines require very demanding manual work.Exposed to the south or southeast, the plots also receive optimal sunlight , promoting ripe and powerful aromatics.
Finally, from a terroir perspective, the topography of Condrieu is characterized by granite soils, often covered with mica schist and granite sands. These poor and well-drained soils are perfect for vine cultivation as they force the roots to grow deep in search of nutrients, thus contributing to the complexity and minerality of the wines.
The Condrieu AOC in all its splendor
The wines of the Condrieu
As you have understood, and while Condrieu wines are defined above all by their granitic terroir, Viognier also plays a major role in the style of the appellation’s cuvées.
The only authorized grape variety, it imparts very intense floral and fruity aromas such as hawthorn, linden, honeysuckle, as well as peach, pear, apricot, and honey. Tropical notes (pineapple, mango) may even appear in certain wines!
In the vast majority of cases, Condrieu wines are dry (without residual sugars) and sometimes off-dry. Nevertheless, when weather conditions allow, a confidential production of sweet or semi-sweet wines can be made from overripe grapes. This is actually the legacy of a production style that was predominant in the 19th century.
The Viognier grape variety
From an aging perspective, local wines are often aged in wood (large casks, demi-muids, oak barrels), thus bringing notes of sweet spices (vanilla, cinnamon, etc.) or toasted bread.
If the trend was for a long time towards powerful and oaky wines, in recent years, the paradigm has nevertheless changed. Thus, the best winemakers of the appellation now seek to develop their wines towards more mineral and delicate aromatics.To do this, they are now seeking cooler terroirs or harvesting earlier. The aging process is also done less in wood, or with less new wood, in order to preserve the authenticity of the terroir.
Of course, this is above all a matter of taste and many other winemakers have maintained a more classic style that still appeals to many enthusiasts!
In any case, Condrieu wines can be enjoyed both young, for their freshness and liveliness, or after a few years of aging, when they develop intense aromas of musk, gingerbread, or tobacco.Because yes, Condrieu is also an appellation of age-worthy wines!
What to eat with a Condrieu ?
With their aromatic richness and full-bodied texture, Condrieu wines are perfect for pairing with a wide variety of dishes. Here are some food and wine pairing suggestions to enhance these exceptional bottles.
Fish and seafood: Condrieu wines pair perfectly with grilled fish (Cod, Turbot, John Dory, etc.), scallops, or even shrimp. Their freshness and aromatic complexity beautifully complement the flavors of seafood.
White meats: A roast chicken, poultry in a creamy sauce, or a veal fillet pair wonderfully well with a Condrieu, whose fruity and floral aromas enhance the delicacy of white meats.
Cheeses: Soft cheeses with a bloomy rind, such as Brie or Camembert, as well as certain fresh goat cheeses, find an ideal companion in Condrieu, which balances their creamy richness with its liveliness and fruity aromas.
Asian cuisine: Asian dishes, especially those based on ginger, coriander, and coconut milk, pair surprisingly well with Condrieu wines, thanks to their exotic aromatic profile and slight sweetness that echoes the wine's aromatics
What are the best Condrieu wines ?
Among the renowned producers of Condrieu, the Pierre Gaillard family holds a prominent place. Established in Malleval since 1981, Pierre Gaillard, passionate and visionary, has indeed restored the prestige of this vineyard by reviving the Viognier grape while respecting local traditions.
The wines from the siblings are renowned for their balance between freshness and aromatic complexity, and are distinguished by an elegance and depth that perfectly reflect the terroir of the appellation.In short, a very safe bet!
You are now a true connoisseur of Condrieu wines and fully equipped to make your choice! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact La Cave Éclairée, we will be delighted to assist you! Cheers and see you soon!
