Condrieu
Condrieu (French pronunciation: [kɔ̃dʁjø]) is a French appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) located on the west bank of the Rhône Valley, exclusively dedicated to wines made from the Viognier grape.[1] The appellation is noted for producing aromatic, full-bodied whites with distinctive floral and stone-fruit character.
Background
The appellation of Condrieu was granted AOC status in 1940, though viticulture in the area dates back to Roman times.[2] Located south of Côte-Rôtie, the vineyards extend over a narrow strip of steep, terraced slopes along the Rhône River, encompassing the communes of Condrieu, Vérin, and parts of several neighbouring villages.[3]
Characteristics
Condrieu wines are exclusively white and must be produced from 100% Viognier. They are characterised by an intensely aromatic profile, with notes of apricot, peach, violets, and sometimes honey or exotic fruit. Structurally, they tend to be rich and full-bodied, with moderate acidity and a distinctive textural weight on the palate.[4]
The terroir is dominated by steep granite-based soils, often described locally as arzelle, a mixture of decomposed granite, mica, and schist, which contributes to the concentration and aromatic expression of the wines.[5]
Viticulture and Winemaking
The vineyards of Condrieu are typically planted on terraces with gradients so steep that mechanisation is nearly impossible, requiring manual work throughout the growing season. The region’s continental climate, influenced by the Rhône River, provides warm summers and cold winters, with the Mistral wind playing a moderating role.[6]
In the winery, producers often employ low yields, careful temperature control, and lees ageing to preserve Viognier’s fragile aromatics. Some use partial oak maturation to enhance structure, though excessive oak can overwhelm the grape’s delicate perfume.[7]
Reputation and Role
Condrieu occupies a unique place in French wine, as one of the few appellations exclusively dedicated to Viognier. Once nearly extinct in the mid-20th century, the revival of the variety has been closely tied to Condrieu’s resurgence, helping secure Viognier’s reputation as one of the world’s most distinctive white grapes.[8]
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015 (entry: Condrieu). ISBN 978-0198705383.
- ↑ Livingstone-Learmonth, The Wines of the Northern Rhône, Infinite Ideas, 2019. ISBN 978-1913022202.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019. ISBN 978-1784724030.
- ↑ Syndicat des Vins de Condrieu, “Appellation Condrieu”, vins-condrieu.com.
- ↑ Inter Rhône, “Condrieu (AOC)”, vins-rhone.com.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019. ISBN 978-1784724030.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, 2015. ISBN 978-0198705383.
- ↑ Livingstone-Learmonth, The Wines of the Northern Rhône, Infinite Ideas, 2019. ISBN 978-1913022202.