Condrieu AOC (France)
Condrieu is a French AOC from the Northern Rhône Valley.
This appellation produces only white wines made of Viognier grapes.
Typical Flavors
 Mango |
 Apricot |
 Peach |
 Pear |
 Violets |
 Honeysuckle |
 Gingerbread |
 Hazelnuts |
Yellow fruits such Mango, Apricot, Pear and Peach are typical Condrieu flavors.
Perfume notes of Spring Flowers, Musk, Spices and Nuts.
Profile
Condrieu is aromatic, fat, fruity, and floral:
| SUGAR | Dry | ||
| BODY | Medium to Full | ||
| FRUIT | Medium Plus | ||
| ACIDITY | Medium - Low | ||
| |||
Food Pairing
 Seafood |
 Lobster |
 Quiche |
 Creamy Fish Soup |
 Creamy Risotto |
 Smocked Salmon |
 Asian Curries |
 Pesto |
 Chicken |
 Pork |
 Veal |
 Cheese |
Condrieu loves creamy dishes.
The aromatic and fruity nature pairs well with spicy Asian Curries.
Pairing Suggestions
Excellent Pairing:
Creamy Seafood. Lobster. Crab. Fish.
Creamy Chicken or Turkey. Coronation Chicken.
Creamy Curries. Kormas.
Creamy Tai Cuisine. Pad Thai.
Tagines with Apricot. Ginger. Saffron. Coconut.
Sweet Potatoes. Butternut Squash. Sweet Root Vegetables.
Cheese:
Mild Cheddar. Chaumes. Double Glouchester
Gouda. Manchego. Monterey Jack.
Brie. Camambert.
Local Specialities:
Rigotte de Condrieu (Goat Cheese).
Picodon de la Drôme (Goat Cheese).
If You Like Viognier
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The Ideal Glass
The Montrachet glass is perfect for full-bodied white wines such as:
The wide bowl steers the wine to the sensitive parts of the tongue, ensuring that the acidity creates a harmonious balance with the sweet aromas of aged wines.
The wide bowl allows the full bouquet of aromas to develop, and minimise the risk for it to be over-concentrated.
About Condrieu
The craddle of Viognier grapes is the village of Condrieu.
The steep slopes and terraces of Condrieu AOC are located on the right bank of the Rhône river.
The AOC in northern Côtes-du-Rhône has a cool climate with cold, wet winters and hot summers.
The vinyards are planted facing south. The orientation and the rocky soils help to store heat.
Viognier grape variety loves gneiss terroirs and the steep granitic slopes contained by terraces and walls.
Condrieu is characterized by perfume, body and silky mouth feel.
About AOC
The appellation is small, only 200 ha of vineyards and includes 7 communes in the Rhône, Loire and Ardèche départements.
They are Condrieu, St Michel sur Rhône, Vérin, Chavanay, Saint Pierre de Boeuf, Malleval and Limony.
Why is Condrieu AOC expansive?
- 1.Average low yeald.
- 2.Steep slopes that allow only hand-harvesting. No tractors.
- 3.Difficult to cultivate and vinify.
- 4.Exposed to strong winds channeled by the Rhône river potentially damaging crops during flowering.
Côtes du Rhône
Côtes du Rhône is an AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) wine region in the Rhône Valley of France. There are two main regions:
- Côtes du Rhône North (Septentrional)
- Côtes du Rhône South (Méridional)
Côtes du Rhône North
In the North, the main grape is Syrah.
The grapes grow on very steep slopes, and are manually picked in hillside trolleys, wich adds to the price.
Côtes du Rhône South
In the South, the main grape is Grenache.
The area is famous for its GSM wines: A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.