📜 Condrieu

Condrieu is an aromatic white wine from the Viognier grape grown on steep slopes in the northern Rhône valley of France. The village of Condrieu lies on the right bank of the river, not far from the city of Vienne. It is a small appellation, and there is not much wine.

Vineyards sit on steep slopes that have to be built up into terraces. The soil is mostly granite, which matters: it warms well and gives the wine aroma. Nearly all work is by hand, so the wine is not cheap. Viognier gives still white wines with a bright aroma of apricot, peach, flowers and honey.

Condrieu is an example of how a single grape, which nearly vanished in the 20th century, managed to return. Viognier now grows in other countries too, but true Condrieu comes only from here. The appellation belongs to the Northern Rhône. The wine is drunk slightly chilled, when young, to keep its fresh aroma, with fish, poultry and spicy dishes.