Condrieu 1994 E. Guigal

Condrieu is arguably the northern Rhône’s most distinctive wine appellation. Created in 1940, it covers white wines made exclusively from Viognier. In contrast, its larger neighbors (Saint-Joseph, Crôzes-Hermitage and Côte Rôtie) specialize in robust reds made from Syrah.

Condrieu’s whites strike an unusual balance between delicate perfume and substantial body. They are produced only in tiny quantities, and only in seven parishes. These are Limony, Chavanay, Malleval, Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône, Saint-Pierre-de-Bœuf, Verin and Condrieu itself.

Condrieu vineyards lie within in a nine-mile stretch of the Rhône Valley on a winding section of the Rhône River. The appellation name derives from a French phrase meaning ‘corner of the stream’. They are typically placed on south- and south-east-facing granite slopes rising steeply from the riverbanks. This orientation enables the vines to obtain maximum warmth and sunlight in the cooler days of spring and autumn. This in turn results in ripe, flavorful wines.