2022 Condrieu Les Chaillets Yves Cuilleron

Origin : the best and oldest vines on the estate, on south/southeast-facing terraces overlooking Chavanay. “Les Chaillets” is not a district but the local name for terraces.
Soil : Muscovite-rich granite.
Grape variety: viognier.
Viticulture : high-density planting (8,000-10,000 vines per hectare). No insecticides or pesticides, few treatments (depending on weather), small amount of organic-only fertilizer, with respect of soil and vine balance. Vigour and yield control, leaf-thinning and green harvesting to promote grape maturation.
Vinification: the grapes are picked when fully ripe and hand sorted. After pressing, they are alcoholic and malolactic fermented in barriques with native yeasts.
Maturing : 9 months in barriques, on the lees, no racking, regular stirring.
Style : a rich, refined and complex wine. A nose of dried yellow stone fruits, violets and honey. Harmonious, well-bred style on the palate, with good volume. A pure long finish, underlaid by the terroir's minerality.
Aging : drink for the primary aromas during 3-4 years, but also for the secondary aromas from 6-10 years.
Pairing : shellfish and delicate fish (langoustine with lemon and fresh sage).