Condrieu AOC and Saint Joseph AOC Flashcards
Condrieu AOC
Location
Varieties used
Max yields/benefits from yields
This appellation is situated close to the northern end of the northern Rhône vineyard area.
The wine must be 100 per cent Viognier
The maximum yield is restricted to 41 hL/ha, ensuring good to high levels of flavour intensity.
Condrieu AOC
Most common aspect, why and the benefits of the aspect
The river turns southwest at this point, meaning the vineyards are often south-facing, enhancing fruit ripening.
Condrieu AOC
Topography and Soil types
Challenges that exist
The vines are grown on steep, low fertility, rocky slopes, often in terraced vineyards, with constant challenges from soil erosion and wind.
Condrieu AOC
Appellation size and AOC’s within Condrieu
This small appellation (197 ha) surrounds the single-estate 3.5 ha AOC, Ch. Grillet AOC, which created the reputation of Viognier.
Condrieu AOC
Fermentation/storage vessels
Most Condrieu is fermented in stainless steel or large wooden vessels but with a few producers using the more expensive, small barrel, that produces wines with enhanced texture and flavour.
Condrieu AOC
Malolactic conversion and Lees
Producers can choose whether or not to allow malolactic conversion to take place, depending on the vintage but is normally carried out.
Wines are typically aged on the lees for 10–12 months often with lees stirring.
Condrieu AOC
Quality and price
The wines are typically very good to outstanding in quality and premium to super-premium in price.
They are the model for high quality Viognier around the world.
Saint-Joseph AOC
Location and length
This is a 30-mile long appellation that runs from Condrieu to Cornas, nearly the entire length of the northern Rhône wine region.
Saint-Joseph AOC
Previous extensions and current debates on appellation
The appellation was extended in 1994, today the debate is whether to reduce the appellation and limit it to hillside slopes only.
Saint-Joseph AOC
Who produce’s here that are raising eyebrows?
Jean- Louis Chave is a highly regarded producer based in the AOC who has done much to raise the prestige of the
appellation, as has Domaine Gonon.
Saint-Joseph AOC
% of production
Max Yield
Nearly 90 per cent of the wines are red. The maximum yield is restricted to 40 hL/ha.
Saint-Joseph AOC
Fermentation and ageing vessels
Stainless steel and large wooden tanks are the most common fermentation vessels and ageing is generally in larger wood tanks or large barrels and occasionally barriques.
Saint-Joseph AOC
Quality and price
The quality and price of Saint-Joseph covers a wide range from good wines at mid-price to very good to outstanding wines at premium and super- premium prices.
