Domaine Verzier 2022 Condrieu "Authentic", Rhone Valley

The tiny region of Condrieu, in the tip top of the Northern Rhone, is the source of the world's Viognier. Nearly extinct until American winemakers resurrected it in the 1980s, it still remains a rarity.

Verzier’s house just happens to be right above one of the prime white wine growing areas in the world. Just down the slope from his old syrah vines are the magnificent terraced vineyards of Condrieu, the appellation where the Viognier grape is ideally suited. Every other wine-making region in the world attempts to make good viognier, and a few are successful in the hands of only the most adept wine-makers. Nowhere else does this grape reach the heights that it does in Condrieu.

This is classic Condrieu with the tell-tale nose of apricots, peaches and honeyed jasmine. On the palate, the wine is bright and fresh with crisp acidity. Great richness follows with a wine that is at the same time honeyed and viscous while possessing excellent balance.