Condrieu is to Viognier what the Cote de Nuits is to Pinot Noir. There are now plantings worldwide of Viognier but this pernickety grape’s spiritual homeland is still in Condrieu and this is still where the finest Viogniers in the world are produced.

The appellation was created in 1940 and today over 40 growers produce wine from just over 100 hectares of vineyards. In 1965 the appellation covered only 8 hectares.

Guigal accounts for 45% of the appellation’s production.  The vineyards are adjacent to Côte-Rôtie but not as steep as Côte-Rôtie’s. The best Condrieu wines are produced from soils that are on south or south-east facing narrow terraces of granite and where the average vine age is around 50 years old.

Condrieu is solely made from the Viognier grape. It is situated adjacent to Côte-Rôtie and also encompasses the separate AC of Château-Grillet. The wines are dry with a wonderful floral nose of peaches, apricots,violets and pears. They are quite alcoholic with lowish acidity. Condrieus are best drunk when young keeping the freshness and delicate fruit flavours.

• Recommended Producers: Pierre Gaillard, Mouton.
• Best Vintages: 2006,2005,2004