Domaine du Monteillet Les Grandes Chaillées, Condrieu

Essence of Viognier, elegant, delicately perfumed, fresh and mineral with layers of flavour and complexity. Still young, this is still full of primary flavours, a true taste of Viognier and after 10 years will develop wonderfully honeyed secondary flavours.

The Viognier grapes for Condrieu come from six parcels on superb terroirs in Chavanay, Saint Michel sur Rhône et Vérin. The Chaillées are the dry stone walls that support the terraced vines on the steep granite slopes. Grapes are destemmed with 9 hours of skin contact before a gentle pressing and fermentation in oak barriques and demi-muids. Careful battonage and aging for 11 months in 75% 1 and 2 year old fûts and 25% in new French oak demi-muids without racking or adding sulphur.

Match with grilled prawns, turbot with hollandaise, or a top notch macaroni cheese. It's just great wine, enjoy it!