Condrieu French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Condrieu is the birthplace and world reference of Viognier, a small northern Rhône appellation producing opulent, intensely aromatic white wines from steep granite terraces.
More info about Condrieu
Geographic position
Southeastern France, on the right bank of the Rhône about 40 km south of Lyon, across the Rhône, Loire and Ardèche departments, just south of Côte-Rôtie and around the small enclave of Château-Grillet.
Origin & history
Viognier is said to have been brought to the area by the Romans, and the steep slopes were terraced over centuries. By the 1960s only a few acres remained and Viognier was close to extinction, until growers such as Georges Vernay revived it. Condrieu became an AOC in 1940 and now covers around 500 acres.
Wines & grape varieties
White wine only, from 100% Viognier, mostly dry with a rare late-harvest sweet style. Expect apricot, white peach, violet, honeysuckle and spice, with a rich, full texture and moderate acidity; best enjoyed within a few years.
Climate & soil
Continental climate with Mediterranean influence. Very steep terraces of granite, mica and decomposed granite sand called "arène", held by dry-stone walls.