Condrieu 2016

Vidal-Fleury


Founded in 1781, Vidal-Fleury not only is the Rhône’s oldest continuing grower/négociant firm, but it also secured an international following very quickly.Thomas Jefferson’s visit in 1787 was its first contact with the United States; he called the wines “ justly celebrated”.

The elaboration of Vidal-Fleury’s wines consists of four separate operations – the vineyard, winemaking, ageing and bottling. The superb origins of the grapes and the patience taken in maturing are what make the quality of Vidal-Fleury wines according to Winemaker Guy Sarton du Jonchay.

Terroir: The vineyards of Condrieu are planted on terraces with a granite-rich mother rock that has numerous clayey fissures. Our wine comes from grapes cultivated between the villages of Vérin and Chavanay. The climate is semi-continental with hot summers and temperate winters. The south-facing exposure and topography shield the vines from cold winds and allow them to benefit from warm winds for grape maturity

Vinification: Slow and gentle direct pressing to preserve the finesse of the juice aromas. Alcoholic fermentation at controlled temperature, with 30% of the blend in new oak barrels and the rest in stainless steel tanks. Complete malolactic fermentation. Aging takes place in stainless steel tanks and oak barrels for 14 months

Additional Information

The Viognier grape is perfectly at home here, producing a wine that is rich, smooth and supple but also deliciously fresh. Highly perfumed, it showcases floral aromas, backed by notes of apricot and exotic fruits. The palate is long, with fine minerality. Medium-bodied, the wine has a good concentration and a fresh, focused, elegant style. It will evolve in the next 4-5 years.

2015 vintage: The Spring of 2015 was rainy and hot. The Summer was dry with high temperatures. These conditions make 2015 one of the hottest vintage of the last decades!

Pairing: Excellent as an aperitif wine, you can enjoy this wine with foie gras, scallops, goat cheese, etc.

Technical Details

  • Appellation: Condrieu
  • Winemaker: Stéphane Carell
  • Sustainability: Sustainable Practices
  • Soil: Granite, mica, shale, clay
  • Vineyard Acreage: 1ha
  • Avg Vine Age: 25 years
  • Alcohol: 14.5%

  • Avg Production: 4500 bottles
  • Sizes Available: 750ml
  • Pack Size: 6/750ml
  • Varietals: 100% Viognier

Recent Press

  • Score: 91 Points

    The Wine Advocate Author: Joe Czerwinski
    Date: Friday, January 19, 2018
    The full-bodied 2016 Condrieu is round and lush with exotic notes of tropical fruit and maybe even a touch of banana but also more classic aromas of crushed stone, spring flowers and peppery/gingery spice. Drink it over the next few years.

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