M. Chapoutier Condrieu Coteau de Chery Blanc 2025

Condrieu is the home of Viognier, a small northern Rhone appellation where the vines cling to steep terraces that demand near handmade work in the vineyard. This wine comes from the Coteau de Chery, a single slope, farmed biodynamically by M. Chapoutier. The soils are decomposed granite, known locally as arzelle, which drains fast, warms quickly and gives Viognier its perfume and richness, while the slope and cool nights hold enough acidity to keep the wine fresh. Viognier is picked ripe to develop its floral and stone fruit aromas, then fermented and aged eleven months on its lees. The lees feed the wine slowly, releasing mannoproteins that build a broad, silky texture and add depth without the need for new oak. The colour is a bright pale gold. The nose is delicate and expressive, with citrus zest, apricot, white peach and white flowers over a warm stone note. The palate is full and rounded yet dry, the ripe fruit carried by a stony, mineral finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a white wine glass.