Wines Condrieu Stephane Ogier - Condrieu Combe de Malleval - 2019

Stéphane Ogier’s 2019 Condrieu “Combe de Malleval” is an exemplary white wine from the northern sector of the Rhône Valley, an area renowned for crafting some of France’s most distinctive whites. Condrieu stands almost alone in its dedication to the Viognier grape, and this cuvée captures the varietal’s expressive character with real finesse. The 2019 vintage was noted for its balance and ripeness, a year that lent the wines ample texture and refined aromatics without undue weight. Typically, the vinification in Condrieu seeks to preserve the aromatic vibrancy of Viognier, often using a combination of stainless steel and older oak barrels to ensure an interplay of purity and gentle richness. Expect an aromatic profile shimmering with stone fruits—apricot, peach, and ripe nectarine—intertwined with floral notes of violet and honeysuckle, complemented by subtle hints of spice and a rounded, almost creamy palate.

The Condrieu appellation sits on steep, terraced slopes along the Rhône, the vineyards anchored in granite soils that impart both freshness and structure to the wines. The region’s continental climate, tempered by periodic Mediterranean influences, is ideal for bringing out Viognier’s opulence while retaining its lift and definition. Though small in size, Condrieu has earned a storied reputation: historically, its wines graced the tables of France’s nobility and have recently experienced a modern revival through the work of dedicated vignerons like Stéphane Ogier.

As for food pairings, this style of Condrieu pairs beautifully with rich, delicate fare: think of pan-seared scallops in beurre blanc, lobster ravioli, or poultry with cream and tarragon. Local Rhône specialities such as quenelles de brochet (pike dumplings) in a saffron sauce or a goat’s cheese tart make excellent companions too, as they both accentuate and are enlivened by the wine’s texture and aromatics.

Serve this wine slightly chilled, around 10–12°C, in a generous glass to allow its bouquet to evolve. Take your time—it is a wine that rewards patient, attentive drinking, revealing ever richer nuances as it opens in the glass.