Winery: Château Grillet
Grape Varieties: Viognier
Region: Northern Rhône Valley, Rhône Valley, France
Appellation: Condrieu
Color: White
Format: 0.75 L Bottle
Rating: 96 by Jeff Leve (2014 vintage)
Description
The 2016 Château Grillet is an exceptional white wine, from one of the smallest controlled appellations in France, located in the Northern Rhône Valley. Made entirely from Viognier, this unique wine exemplifies the style of the great whites of the region, with an unmatched elegance and aromatic intensity. Château Grillet has a prestigious reputation for producing rare, high-quality wines that are both rich and distinctive.
Perched on steep terraces of sun-drenched granite-rich soil, Château Grillet enjoys an ideal terroir. The 2016 vintage stands out as a particularly successful year, offering a powerful yet balanced wine, with an authentic expression of both the Viognier grape and the unique terroir of Condrieu.
Blend
This wine is made exclusively from Viognier, a grape known for its intense aromatic richness, luscious roundness, and opulent mouthfeel, balanced by refreshing minerality, thanks to the distinct soils of this region.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: A pale golden yellow with bright green reflections, Château Grillet shines with brilliance and luminosity.
Nose: The nose reveals enchanting aromas of apricot, white peach, and hawthorn blossoms, accompanied by notes of honey, quince, and a subtle hint of toasted almonds.
Palate: On the palate, this wine is full-bodied, rich, and creamy, while maintaining a harmonious balance thanks to its refreshing mineral freshness. Flavors of stone fruits mingle with hints of candied citrus and soft spices. The finish is long and elegant, with a slight salinity and remarkable persistence.
Aging Potential
The 2016 Château Grillet is a perfect wine for aging. It can be enjoyed now for its complexity and rich aromatic profile, but it will reveal its full potential after a few years of aging, developing more subtle notes of dried fruits, spices, and underbrush. It can be kept for up to 15 to 20 years.
Food Pairings
Grilled or sauced fish
Lobster or langoustine
Roasted or creamy sauce poultry
Mushroom risotto
Aged cheeses, particularly Reblochon or Comté
