invest-wine-condrieu-wine
Nicolas Forestier

Or rather, which CONDRIEU wines to invest in?

We have chosen to use the word investment, not to advise you to buy this or that bottle in order to make a capital gain in a few years' time, but rather to invest in certain estates or appellations that will be more difficult to access financially in a few years' time.

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THE RHÔNE VALLEY

A rare appellation, much sought-after by lovers of great white wines, we'd like to introduce you to the CONDRIEU appellation.

Situated on the right bank of the Rhône about ten kilometers from Vienne, this appellation of just 170 hectares is shared between some 90 winegrowers who are fortunate enough to produce one of France's finest white wines.

The appellation is produced in 7 communes spread over 3 départements: Condrieu in the Rhône, Chavanay, Malleval, Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône, Saint-Pierre-de-Bœuf, Cylinder in the Loireand Limony in theArdèche is no more than 20km from one end to the other.

The vineyards face due south and benefit from a semi-continental climate. In summer, it's very hot and sunny, while in winter, it's very cold.

Speaking of the vines, only one grape variety is allowed in the production of CONDRIEU wines. This is VIOGNIER, which, combined with the appellation's granitic and sandy soils, produces great, long-keeping whites. In fact, this vineyard is a sight to behold, as the vines are planted on sandy terraces and offer a very pleasant panorama.

 

It's impossible to talk about the CONDRIEU appellation without mentioning the AOC CHATEAU-GRILLET.                           

A small appellation enclosed within the AOC CONDRIEU, this one benefits from a microclimate that enables it to produce an exceptional white wine. It, too, is made exclusively from Viognier grapes and has remarkable ageing potential.

Returning to our Condrieu, as mentioned above, there are around 90 winemakers in the region, but some of them come out on top, extracting the very best from Viognier to produce gourmet-quality wines.

 

If you're looking to invest in or discover GREAT CONDRIEU wines, here's our non-exhaustive list of experienced winemakers offering CONDRIEU wines of rare quality.

 

A fantastic estate. Georges Vernay recently passed away, but his daughter continues to run the estate and cultivate the family know-how. This expertise enables her to extract all the purity and complexity of her terroir. This cuvée bears the name of "l'enfer" (hell), because years ago he used to say that it was "hell" to work these vines. Indeed, mechanization is impossible in this steep terrain. 

In product terms, this cuvée is all about tension. Very mineral, straightforward, with citrus and spice notes. The floral, lemony finish gives it a long finish, ideal for drinking with white or river fish.

 

Like the previous winemaker presented, GUY BERNARD is a recently discovered, unknown but up-and-coming estate. The Condrieu parcel is located in the Bassenon area, facing south-south-east.

All the wines were transferred to barrique, but only 10% were transferred to new barrels.

On tasting, the wine is highly aromatic and flattering, with notes of toast, exotic fruit and a lovely fatness on the palate. Perfect with noble shellfish or scallop carpaccios. An original pairing would be duck à l'orange. Its fullness and aromatic power will elegantly accompany and calm the meat's fruitiness and acidity.

 

If you can find a few bottles of YVES GANGLOFF, don't hesitate to buy them! You're sure to get the best the appellation has to offer. While visiting his brother at the Chateau d'AmpuisA few days later, he met Mathilde, who was to become his wife. Alongside his work in the wine industry, he met André Gaston, who offered him a few vines to help him get started.... And a few years later, after a great deal of experimentation, the estate became the success it is today. So, no, this is not an estate to "invest" in to save money, but rather an investment of the palate! Tasting this Condrieu will help you understand the appellation.

A complex white wine, fine and honeyed at the same time. A mid-palate of white flowers and white fruit. And a finish with delicate tension. A white to enjoy with very tender, raw fish.

 

We could also have told you about other great estates, such as YVES CUILLERON's Chaillets or his sweet Condrieu Les Ayguets. François Villard's emblematic cuvée Les Grands Vallon. Or Louis Chèze's Condrieu "Brèze".

All these cuvées deserve to be tasted to capture the full essence of the appellation...

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