In the glass
What it pairs with
-
Roquefort tart with pear
Sweet Viognier and blue cheese create a rich contrast. -
Peach tarte Tatin
The wine's peach and caramelised apricot notes echo the classic French tart. -
Duck liver pate with apricot compote
The wine's tropical fruit sweetness balances the rich liver pate.
How to serve Condrieu Le Grand Vallon Vendanges Tardives
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 8-12°C. Cellar temperature (8-12°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a small dessert-wine glass (3-5oz pour): the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Roquefort tart with pear, Peach tarte Tatin, Duck liver pate with apricot compote. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
The late-harvest Condrieu from Villard was first produced in 1998, a year of exceptional ripeness in the Northern Rhone. It is produced only in warm years when the Viognier achieves exceptional concentration.
- 1998 — First vintage of Vendanges Tardives from overripe Viognier in an exceptional warm year
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Francois Villard
- Grapes
- Viognier (100%)
- Classification
- Condrieu AOC
- Oak
- 12 months in new French oak barriques
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- EUR 80-130 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-20 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1998
- Organic
- ECOCERT
Frequently asked about Condrieu Le Grand Vallon Vendanges Tardives
What does Condrieu Le Grand Vallon Vendanges Tardives taste like?
Structurally full-bodied, low tannins, medium acidity with a very long, tropical honey finish.
When should I drink Condrieu Le Grand Vallon Vendanges Tardives?
Drink 5-20 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Condrieu Le Grand Vallon Vendanges Tardives?
Roquefort tart with pear is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Peach tarte Tatin and Duck liver pate with apricot compote. Sweet Viognier and blue cheese create a rich contrast.
What grapes are in Condrieu Le Grand Vallon Vendanges Tardives?
The blend is Viognier (100%). The wine is classified as Condrieu AOC.