Yves Cuilleron Condrieu “Chaillets” 2023

Viognier is a white-wine grape variety known for producing very aromatic and structural wines with distinctive floral bouquet of white flowers and chamomile with tropical fruit hint and grapefruit peel bitterness. Thick-skinned Viognier grapes have naturally low acidity, but examples that aged in oak have great aging potential.

Condrieu is considered the home of the Viognier which is also the single grape variety allowed for wine production in this region. The wines in this appellation have a very rich bouquet composed of apricot, violet and peach aromas. It is noteworthy that these wines contain a high percentage of alcohol, but the pronounced minerality and low acidity allow them to retain their exceptional freshness and delicate flavour. Condrieu wines are best drunk young, but some samples can be aged up to 10 years.

Côtes du Rhône vineyards are located on the banks of the Rhône River. The soil and the geographical conditions are very heterogeneous in the northern and southern parts of the region therefore the valley is divided in two parts - Northern Rhône and Southern Rhône. Vines in Northern Rhône are mainly grown on so-called "terraces" - steep granite and slate slopes. Winemakers are often not very fond of the harsh mistral wind because of its low temperature. The unusual climate causes the vines to produce small yields, but at the same time provides an intense flavour that has given the wines of Northern Rhône worldwide fame. Syrah is the mainly used grape for red wines - it produces deep wines with hints of pepper that are suitable for long aging. Viognier is the queen of white wines, but Marsanne and Rousanne are also always close by. Some appellations allow white grapes to be added to red wines to smoothen the roughness of Syrah and enrich the wines with floral aromas. The landscapes of Southern Rhône are very different from the northern part - the vineyards are located along the river on low hills and plains and the weather is much friendlier. The grapes ripen in the hot summer sun and obtain a high sugar level resulting in rich and mouth-filling wines. The main grape used is Grenache, but 12 other varieties are allowed in the region - interestingly some wines even combine all of them.