Wines Condrieu Domaine Monteillet - Côte Bonnette - 2019

Domaine Monteillet’s 2019 Condrieu Cuvée Côte Bonnette is a remarkable expression of northern Rhône Viognier. This dry white wine is crafted exclusively from Viognier grapes, a varietal renowned for its heady aromatics and lush, textured profile. The 2019 vintage benefited from a warm, balanced growing season, allowing the fruit to achieve perfect ripeness while retaining vital freshness. The Côte Bonnette parcel is noted for its steep granite slopes, which offer excellent drainage and impart a mineral backbone to the wine. Vinification typically involves careful temperature control, gentle pressing, and ageing in a combination of stainless steel and oak, which accentuates the complexity and natural richness of Viognier without overwhelming its delicacy.

Condrieu, perched on the granite hillsides above the Rhône river, is one of France’s most distinctive white wine appellations. The region enjoys a continental climate with hot summers and cool nights, which helps to preserve acidity and aromatic purity in the grapes. The granitic and sometimes mica-laden soils give the wines both structure and an inimitable stony elegance. Although Viognier almost disappeared from the region at one point, a resurgence in quality-focused winemaking has restored Condrieu’s reputation as the reference point for the varietal, producing wines of unique perfume and sumptuous texture.

With its exuberant floral and stone fruit aromas—think apricot, peach, and honeysuckle—balanced by fine minerality and gentle spice, this Condrieu pairs beautifully with dishes that echo its elegance and complexity. Classic matches include roast lobster or scallops in saffron butter, grilled river fish with fennel, or a Normandy-style chicken with cream and morels. For a regional touch, consider serving it alongside a quenelle de brochet (pike dumpling) in a creamy sauce, or mild goat cheeses.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 10-12°C. Decanting for up to thirty minutes can help it open up and reveal further aromatic layers. This wine is delightful now but can reward careful cellaring for another few years, developing honeyed and nutty notes with age.