Pierre Gaillard Condrieu 2009
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Pierre Gaillard son of a railwayman, yet at 12 years he had already planted his own vines and plowed the vineyards on horseback. He then followed a course studied viticulture and oenology in Burgundy . he started as vineyard manager in the Rhone valley, but soon he feels the need to plant his own vineyards. In 1981 he planted the Clos de Cuminaille then gradually bought and replanted different hills across the northern Rhone Valley. Today, Pierre Gaillard produces Cote Rotie, St Joseph, Condrieu, Cornas, Crozes Hermitage and St Peray on a farm of 25ha. He also extended Faugères, Banyuls and Collioure where the shale slopes remind him of the Côte Rôtie. His wife and children followed in his adventure and now are in family areas managing vineyards…each bringing his jurisdiction to that of the vine to the glass everything happens for the best.
Full-figured and charmingly floral, Viognier is one of the most important white grapes of the northern Rhône where it is used both to produce single varietal wines and as an important blending grape. Look for great New World examples from California, Oregon, Washington and cooler parts of Australia. Somm Secret—Viognier plays a surprisingly important role in the red wines of Côte Rôtie in the northern Rhône. About 5% Viognier is typically co-fermented with the Syrah in order to stabilize the color, and as an added benefit, add a subtle perfume.
As the source of some of the most vibrant and powerful white wines in France, Condrieu is uniquely situated in one of the northern outposts of the Rhone River. It is the original Viognier appellation with a wine growing history reaching back well over two thousand years. Like most of the wine regions of the Northern Rhone, Condrieu’s vines grow on extremely steep and narrow granite terraces. But what makes the region unique is a topsoil, locally called, “arzelle,” made of decomposed mica. This and a sheltering of the harsh northern winds, make optimal sites to produce opulent and brilliant Viognier. It is a tiny zone with no room for expansion and produces miniscule amounts of wine each year, contributing to its allure.
A fine Condrieu will have aromas and flavors suggestive of ripe stone fruit, lime peel, green almond, ginger, white flowers and toasted nuts. A honeyed smell may mislead you to think the wine will be sweet but the modern style favors totally dry on the palate. Its texture will be full and soft but a touch of mineral will provide great balance.