Condrieu Les Chaillets

Origin : the best and oldest vines on the estate, on south/southeast-facing terraces overlooking Chavanay. “Les Chaillets” is not a district but the local name for terraces. Soil : muscovite-rich granite. Grape variety : viognier. Viticulture : high-density planting (8,000-10,000 vines per hectare). No insecticides or pesticides, few treatments (depending on weather), small amount of organic-only fertiliser, with respect of soil and vine balance. Vigour and yield control, leaf-thinning and green harvesting to promote grape maturation. Vinification: the grapes are picked when fully ripe and handsorted. After pressing, they are alcoholic and malolactic fermented in barriques with native yeasts. Maturing : 9 months in barriques, on the lees, no racking, regular stirring. Style : a rich, refined and complex wine. A nose of dried yellow stone fruits, violets and honey. Harmonious, well-bred style on the palate, with good volume. A pure long finish, underlaid by the terroir’s minerality. Ageing : drink for the primary aromas during 3-4 years, but also for the secondary aromas from 6-10 years. Pairing : shellfish and delicate fish (langoustine with lemon and fresh sage).