Gaillard Condrieu 2012

Condrieu is the physical and spiritual home of the wonderful Viognier grape. Located on the northern end of the Northern Rhone, this is THE spot for the Viognier grape (and its savior: in the early 1970's there was only 20 acres of Viognier left in the world -- here in Condrieu). A good and textbook Viognier is stone-fruit driven (especially peach and apricot), along with honeysuckle and a low acid drive of grip. However, a truly exceptional and incredible Condrieu -- like this one -- amplifies its qualities and screams from the hilltops. Dynamic and bright, with firm fruit and a perfectly intact mid-palate ... not something found very often in Condrieu. A wine like this would be perfect with halibut sauteed with crimini mushrooms and touch of mango.

Dynamic and incredible wine from a tiny little producer, Pierre Gaillard. We love this guy, we love his hands off approach, and most of all we love his wines. - Tasting note by Jason Kallsen, November 2013.

Food Pairings

If its got lots of butter or cream, yum, serve Viognier. Lobster. Dishes spiced with cumin or curry.