A classical style with brightness in every sip. As the sunshine bursts through every layer of peaches and toasted nuts, with gentile laye.

Pierre Gaillard's top Condrieu comes from a single hectare of vines on a steep, sandy, granitic slope of Malleval (just south of Condrieu). In 2022, the vines here yielded just 30 hl/ha of pungent, tenderloin Viognier fruit, and the wine spent eight months in Allier and Nevers oak, of which just 5% was new. It is early days, but it already hints at the tell-tale characteristics of a top Gaillard Viognier: small white flowers, fragrant peach blossom, and a refreshing, controlled palate. It finishes with ample structure and an undercurrent of smoky, granite-laced minerality. Expect retrained power and finesse in equal measure.

Gaillard’s Condrieu is drawn from four parcels grown on the terraced slopes of Côte Bellay, Les Patasses (Malleval), Boissey (Chavanay) and La Caille (Condrieu). Each of these sites has soils of fine, decomposing granite. In 2020, the vines here yielded 30 hl/ha of vibrant Viognier fruit, and the wine spent seven months in oak, of which 10% was new. One of our favourite aspects of Gaillard’s whites is their ability to combine intense aromatics and ripe, hedonistic textures with bright mineral refreshment, and this is a textbook example of that paradox. It’s a classically alluring, richly textured Condrieu with scents and flavours of honeysuckle and juicy, macerated peach and spice. It combines the year’s flesh and generosity with juicy buoyancy, great length and a very long, stony finish.

The 2018 Viognier is a lively and fresh wine with aromas of peach, citrus and gooseberry. It is well balanced with a fresh and fruity mouthfeel, and flavours of dried apricots, gooseberry, spiced fruits, lime and guava on the palate. It has a long, clean finish and is a good alternative to unoaked chardonnay.

Yalumba has devoted over 20 years to growing and making this rare and exotic variety. This example is a fresh and vibrant wine that displays white peach and citrus flavours with spicy undertones.

Handpicked in March 2023. Best to Enjoy slightly chilled with a selection of your favourite cheeses, or a spicy curry, or with fish. You will find hints of apricots, peaches, ginger and spice flavours with tropical fruits.