Wines Condrieu Domaine Villard - Condrieu le Grand Vallon - 2019

Domaine Villard’s 2019 Condrieu “Le Grand Vallon” is a distinguished white wine hailing from the northern reaches of the Rhône Valley, an area famed for its undeniable elegance and expressive whites. Typical of Condrieu, this wine is almost certainly crafted exclusively from Viognier, the region’s flagship grape, though precise blending is sometimes subject to variation. The character of this cuvée is shaped by meticulous attention in both vineyard and cellar, with yields often kept low to maximise aromatic intensity and palate texture. Expect a wine that is aromatic, evocatively floral, and marked by notes of ripe stone fruits—apricot, peach—as well as subtle hints of exotic spices and a fine, silken minerality.

The Condrieu appellation is found in the northern Rhône’s steep, granite-laced hillsides along the right bank of the river. The microclimate here is temperate and benefits from excellent sun exposure, which is crucial for Viognier’s slow and full ripening. Soils of weathered granite lend a certain vibrant tension and mineral underpinning that is the hallmark of great Condrieu. Historically, the region nearly vanished from the wine map in the 20th century, but a resurgence of estates like Domaine Villard has seen Condrieu re-emerge as one of France’s most cherished white wine terroirs.

When it comes to food pairings, the opulent, expressive profile of this wine calls for refined yet delicately flavoured dishes. Classic pairings might include roasted poultry with cream and wild mushrooms, lobster in a light citrus butter sauce, or simpler fare such as river fish in beurre blanc. If you wish to honour the regional tradition, try it alongside quenelles de brochet or young goat’s cheese.

To best appreciate all the perfume and texture of this Condrieu, serve lightly chilled—ideally between 11 and 13°C. This allows the wine’s delicate florality and silken palate to unfurl fully, ensuring a memorably nuanced tasting experience.