Condrieu
Overview
Condrieu is a northern Rhone appellation exclusively for white wine made from Viognier. It lies on the right bank of the Rhone, south of Cote-Rotie, centered on the communes of Condrieu, Chavanay, and surrounding villages. The appellation produces full, aromatic whites that range from exotic and musky (from later picking) to fresh, sleek, and grippy (the modern trend from the early 2010s).
Key Producers
- Yves Cuilleron — Les Chaillets and Vernon among the top wines of the appellation
Grape Varieties
- Viognier — the sole permitted grape
Style Notes
Condrieu Viognier can be picked late for muskiness and exotic character, or earlier for a more fresh and sleek expression. The modern trend (from the early 2010s) favors the latter. Top sites include Les Chaillets and Vernon (Verlieu). The wines are generally best in their first 3-5 years, though top examples can develop further. Essence d’Automne-style late harvest bottlings represent a sweet, botrytised extreme.
JLL Vintage Summaries (drinkRhone.com)
- 2024: Viognier handled the difficult conditions better than Syrah across the Northern Rhone. Christophe Blanc: “a year of freshness and interest — the lost harvest served to concentrate aromas.” Jamet: “the 2024 whites are top, nicely ripe, 13.3 degrees, magic.” Aromatic, with bel balance. Yields down 20-25%. See 2024 Rhone Vintage.
My Tastings
Sources
sources/articles/JLL/Domaine_Yves_Cuilleron.txtsources/articles/JLL/rhone_vintage_reports.json— JLL vintage reports 2022-2024