Bott Condrieu 2023

Graeme and Julie Bott farm in the northern Rhône, and their Condrieu comes from Viognier grown on the appellation's signature steep granite terraces above the river. Condrieu is the spiritual home of Viognier, a low yielding grape that must be picked fully ripe to develop its heady stone fruit and floral aromatics. The granite and decomposed schist soils drain fast and store heat, while the slope's sun exposure ripens the fruit and the river tempers the nights, holding enough acidity to balance the wine's natural richness. It is fermented and aged nine months in oak barrels, where contact with the lees and slow oxygen exchange add texture and a light creaminess without masking the aromatics, and partial malolactic softens the acidity. The result is a wine that pairs opulence with freshness. Expect a bright golden colour, a perfumed nose of apricot, white peach, white flowers and verbena with a citrus lift, and a palate that is broad and silky yet lifted by a fresh, gingery finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a large glass.