Condrieu AOC is a fragrant, intense, and usually expensive white wine made from Viognier in an area 6.8 miles (11km) south of Vienne on the right bank of the Rhône river in the Rhône Valley region of France. The region comprises seven communes – one of which is Condrieu – across three departments (Ardèche, Loire, Rhône). Dry wines predominate, although small amounts of late-harvested sweet wines from staggered picking are also occasionally produced. In the 16th century the Popes treasured it, the Chapter Lyonnais would offer it to their distinguished guests.

Vineyard area & wine production: 2002 3,985hl from 110ha (Guide Hachette des Vins 2004, p.1030-31).

Communes (7): Chavanay. | Condrieu. | Limony. | Malleval. | Saint Michel sur Rhône. | Saint Pierre de Boeuf. | Vérin.

Terroir: Mainly granitic soils, terraced vines.

Wine style: Floral (violets, despite being a white wine). ‘Best drunk young,’ (Oz Clarke: 2015, p.96).

Wineries

No certification: Delas Frères. | René Rostaing. | Yves Cuilleron.