Lot presentation

Condrieu Quintessence - Villard 1994

The wine

The Condrieu appellation lies 10km to the south of Vienna on the right bank of the Rhône. The area only covers 105 hectares. Made from Viognier, a rare, sensitive grape variety that was originally Dalmatian, wines made in the Condrieu appellation have garnered an international reputation amongst wine connoisseurs.

Often a victim of history, the vineyard almost disappeared on several occasions, during the time of the Barbarian invasions, at the end of the 19th century with the emergence of phylloxera, and in the 1930s with the economic crisis. Many estates that are renowned today (Jamet and Clusel Roch, for example) were, until relatively recently, planted with fruit trees - agricultural activity that was often more profitable than wine-making. Viognier is a delicate grape variety to work with, and requires total mastery of yields and the perfect level of maturity through which to fully express its aromas.

The vines are located on steep granitic slopes overlooking the river - a location that does not allow the use of mechanical methods. Despite these constraints, some producers truly stand out and produce wonderful Condrieu wines, featuring alluring flavours of honeysuckle, violet, peach and apricot. High in alcohol content with a delicious fruity quality, they combine finesse and elegance beautifully, and should be enjoyed while young.

Detailed characteristics