Les Grands Amandiers Condrieu 2022
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France / Rhône
The Grands Amandiers vineyard is bordered by majestic almonds trees or "amandiers" in French. The South-facing vineyard forms an amphitheater on a 58-degree slope with small, steep terraces held back by low stone walls called "chalais". The 15- to 30-year-old Viognier vines are planted in soil with granite that has degraded into sand. The organic grapes are hand-harvested and pressed as whole bunches. After settling, the wine is fermented primarily in concrete eggs as well as in French oak barrels – 15% of which are new. It is then aged for 3 months on fine lees in the same containers.
Harvest Note
The 2022 vintage began with a lack of rainfall during the winter months. Budburst was rather late but vegetative development accelerated quickly. Flowering took place towards the later half of May and very quickly due to high temperatures. The summer started with a stormy episode that gaves the vines some rest. Very hot weather followed in July and August without any rain. Rains in mid-August allowed the vines to recover. The grapes were on average lower in weight than normal, promising a rich vintage with concentrated flavors and beautiful colors.
Tasting Note
Pale yellow with green reflections, this balanced and expressive white wine has notes of orange blossom, peach, and candied lemon peel with crisp acidity and nice length
Technical Data
GRAPES: Viognier (100%)
APPELLATION: Condrieu AOC
PH: 3.24
ACIDITY: 5.4
ABV: 12.5%
AGING: 3 months on fine lees in concrete eggs and French oak barrels (15% are new)
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: No
Unique Selling Points
- Steep 58-degree slope with small stone wall terraces
- Vineyard is certified AB Organic
"What makes a great wine, what makes it inimitable and constant, is the terroir in which it is born."
Caroline Frey, Winemaker
