Wine jewel of the Rhone 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 only Viognier grape variety and is located under another renowned AOC: Roasted Rib .
Today, with a very solid reputation in France and internationally, the appellation has nevertheless experienced ups and downs and has even been close to disappearing! This article offers you a journey that will certainly allow you to get to know Condrieu better , its terroirs, its wines, and how to ideally appreciate them.
Happy reading!
History of the AOC Condrieu
The beginnings of Condrieu's wine-growing history date back to Antiquity , and more precisely to the Greek era , a period during which it is attested that a vineyard already existed in 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 decides to massively replant Viognier.
With the fall of the Roman Empire, vine cultivation declined sharply but was maintained by the monks until reaching, several centuries later, a certain fame.
In the 12th century, Condrieu wines had enjoyed a solid reputation for several generations. In the 14th century, the popes of Avignon also make Condrieu bottles one of their favorite choices.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the vineyard faced many upheavals: the phylloxera crisis, industrialization, the First and Second World Wars. then lead to a virtual abandonment of the cultivation of Viognier in the region. Thus, although The name was officially created in 1940 , there were only about ten hectares cultivated in the region after the Second World War!
Fortunately, a few passionate winegrowers revived the cultivation of Viognier in the 1980s , a decade during which the latter replanted several abandoned hillsides and rebuilt numerous 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 municipalities: 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 considered as the greatest Viogniers in the world and are found on the finest gastronomic tables.
Map of the Northern Rhone 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 maturing Viognier , allowing the grape variety to develop its great aromatic richness.
Often located on steep slopes, the vines require very demanding manual work .Facing south or south-east, the plots also receive optimal sunshine promoting ripe and powerful aromatics.
Finally, from a terroir point of view, the topography of Condrieu is characterized by granite soils , often covered with micaschists and of granite sands . These poor, well-drained soils are ideal for growing vines because they force the roots to dig deep in search of nutrients, contributing to the complexity and minerality of wines.
The AOC Condrieu in all its splendor
AOC wines Condrieu
As you have understood, and if the wines of Condrieu are defined above all Through their granite terroir, Viognier also plays a predominant role in the style of the appellation's vintages.
The only authorized variety, this one distills very intense floral and fruity aromas such as hawthorn, lime, honeysuckle or even peach, pear, apricot and honey. Tropical notes (pineapple, mango) can even appear in some wines!
In their overwhelming majority, Condrieu wines are dry (without residual sugars) and Sometimes semi-dry . However, when weather conditions permit, a confidential production of sweet or mild wines can be made from overripe grapes. The latter is actually the legacy of a production style that was predominant in the 19th century.
The Viognier grape variety
From a breeding point of view, local wines are often raised in wood (foudres, demi-muids, oak barrels), thus bringing notes of sweet spices (vanilla, cinnamon etc.) or toasted bread.
If fashion has long been for powerful wines And wooded , in recent years, the paradigm has nevertheless changed. Thus, the best winemakers of the appellation are now seeking to to develop their wines with more mineral and delicate aromas . To do this, The latter are now looking for cooler terroirs or harvesting earlier. The aging is also done less in wood or less in 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 kept a more classic style which still pleases many enthusiasts!
In any case, Condrieu wines can be enjoyed both young, for their freshness and liveliness, and after a few years of aging, developing intense aromas of musk, gingerbread or tobacco. Because yes, Condrieu is also an appellation of wines for laying down !
That eat with a Condrieu ?
With their aromatic richness and fatty texture, Condrieu wines are perfect to accompany a wide variety of dishes. Here are some suggestions for food and wine pairings to enhance these exceptional bottles.
Fish and seafood : Condrieu wines pair perfectly with grilled fish (cod, turbot, John Dory, etc.), scallops or shrimp. Their freshness and aromatic complexity complement the flavors of seafood magnificently.
White meats : A roast chicken, poultry in creamy sauce or a fillet of veal go wonderfully well with a Condrieu, whose fruity and floral aromas enhance the finesse of white meats.
Cheeses : Soft cheeses with a bloomy rind, such as Brie or Camembert, as well as certain fresh goat cheeses, find in Condrieu an ideal companion, balancing 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 aromatics of the wines.
What are the best wines from Condrieu? ?
Among the renowned producers of Condrieu, the Pierre Gaillard family occupies a special place. Established in Malleval since 1981, Pierre Gaillard, passionate and visionary, has indeed managed to restore the nobility of this vineyard by re-enhancing the Viognier while respecting local traditions.
The siblings' wines 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 connoisseur of Condrieu wines and fully equipped to make your choice! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact The Illuminated Cellar , we will make ourselves a pleasure to accompany you! Cheers and see you soon!
