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 under another renowned AOC: Côte Rôtie.
Today endowed with a very solid reputation in France and internationally, the appellation has nevertheless experienced ups and downs and was even close to disappearing! This article offers you a journey that will surely allow you to better know Condrieu, its terroirs, its wines, and how to ideally appreciate them.
Happy reading!
History of the AOC Condrieu
The beginnings of the wine history of Condrieu date back to Antiquity, and more precisely to the Greek era, a period during which it is recorded 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 decided to massively replant Viognier.
At the fall of the Roman Empire, viticulture declined significantly but was maintained by the monks until it reached, several centuries later, a certain renown.
In the 12th century, the wines of Condrieu indeed enjoyed a solid reputation, which had already been established for several generations. 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 challenges: the phylloxera crisis, industrialization, World War I, and World War II 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 World War II!
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 retain 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 indeed been skyrocketing for 40 years. Condrieu wines are now considered some of 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 vineyards require very demanding manual work. Facing 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 schists and granite sands. These poor and well-drained soils are perfect for vine cultivation as they force the roots to delve deeply in search of nutrients, thus contributing to the complexity and minerality of the wines.
The AOC Condrieu in all its splendor
The wines of the AOC Condrieu
As you have understood, and if the wines of Condrieu are defined above all by their granitic terroir, Viognier also plays a predominant role in the style of the appellation's cuvées.
The only authorized 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) can even appear in some wines!
In their overwhelming majority, the wines of Condrieu are dry (without residual sugars) and sometimes semi-dry.Nevertheless, when weather conditions allow, a confidential production of sweet or soft wines can be developed 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 (foudres, demi-muids, oak barrels), thus bringing notes of sweet spices (vanilla, cinnamon, etc.) or toasted bread.
While the trend has long been towards powerful wines and oaky, the paradigm has nevertheless changed in recent years.Thus, the best winemakers of the appellation are now looking to evolve their wines towards more mineral and delicate aromatics. To achieve this, they are now seeking cooler terroirs or harvesting earlier. Additionally, the aging process is done with less wood or less new wood to preserve the authenticity of the terroir.
Of course, this is primarily a matter of taste and many other winemakers have maintained a more classic style that 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 age-worthy wines!
What to eat with a Condrieu ?
With their aromatic richness and creamy 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 creamy sauce, or a veal fillet pair wonderfully with a Condrieu, whose fruity and floral aromas enhance the delicacy of white meats.
Cheeses: Soft cheeses with a bloomy rind, like Brie or Camembert, as well as some fresh goat cheeses, find an ideal companion in Condrieu, balancing their creamy richness with its liveliness and fruity aromas.
Asian cuisine: Asian dishes, particularly 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 wines of Condrieu ?
Among the renowned producers of Condrieu, the Pierre Gaillard family holds a prominent position. Established in Malleval since 1981, Pierre Gaillard, passionate and visionary, has indeed restored the prestige of this vineyard by reviving the Viognier while respecting local traditions.
The wines of the siblings are renowned for their balance between freshness and aromatic complexity, distinguished by elegance and depth that perfectly reflect the terroir of the appellation. In short, a very reliable choice!
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
