Wines Condrieu Ferraton Père & Fils - Condrieu Les Mandouls - 2022

Viniou Reviews

The 2022 Condrieu “Les Mandouls” from Ferraton Père & Fils is a beautifully expressive white wine crafted exclusively from Viognier, as required by the appellation. This cuvée showcases the unique potential of the steep, granite-rich slopes above the Rhône, where the vines draw remarkable minerality and freshness from the terroir. Vinification typically involves careful temperature control and often partial ageing in oak barrels, contributing both texture and subtle complexity, while ensuring the pristine varietal character of Viognier shines through. The 2022 vintage, marked by optimal weather in the Northern Rhône, offers a wine brimming with stone fruit aromas, honeysuckle, apricot and a touch of exotic spice—traits that define great Condrieu.

Condrieu, one of the Rhône Valley’s jewels, sits in the northern sector, just south of Côte-Rôtie. The region enjoys a continental climate, with warm, sun-drenched days and cool nights that preserve acidity and aromatic finesse. The soils are poor in nutrients but rich in granite, particularly well-suited to Viognier, which can be a challenging grape to grow but rewards with opulent, aromatic wines. The tiny appellation has a long winemaking history dating back to Roman times, but only in the last few decades has it reclaimed its prestigious status, with growers like Ferraton Père & Fils at the forefront of quality.

This Condrieu is ideally partnered with refined, aromatic dishes. Pair it with salt-baked wild sea bass, lobster in saffron cream, or poultry with morel mushrooms and a touch of cream. The lush, rounded mouthfeel and delicate floral notes also harmonise beautifully with regional Rhône specialities like quenelles de brochet (pike dumplings) or simply asparagus with hollandaise. For a lighter alternative, a salad of mango, crab and fennel offers an elegant match.

To fully appreciate the aromatic complexity and texture of this wine, serve it at 10-12°C. Enjoy it in a generously sized glass to allow the bouquet to unfold, and consider decanting young vintages for a brief period to enhance their expressiveness.