In the glass
What it pairs with
-
Seared scallops with vanilla butter
The wine's tropical richness and exotic spice are amplified by the vanilla butter. -
Foie gras with quince paste
The wine's honey and stone fruit work with the sweet-savory contrast of foie gras. -
Lobster with mango and coriander
Tropical elements in the wine echo the mango and coriander in the lobster preparation.
How to serve Condrieu Le Grand Vallon
Allow 35 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 30 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 10-12°C. Cellar temperature (10-12°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a medium-sized white-wine glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Seared scallops with vanilla butter, Foie gras with quince paste, Lobster with mango and coriander. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Francois Villard left a career as a chef to found his domaine in 1991. His Condrieu wines quickly gained recognition for their intensity and terroir focus. Le Grand Vallon is his benchmark Condrieu.
- 1991 — Francois Villard founds the domaine; Le Grand Vallon is established as the flagship Condrieu
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Francois Villard
- Grapes
- Viognier (100%)
- Classification
- Condrieu AOC
- Oak
- 10 months in new and used French oak barrels
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Price
- EUR 50-75 at retail
- Drinking window
- 2-8 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1991
- Organic
- ECOCERT
Frequently asked about Condrieu Le Grand Vallon
What does Condrieu Le Grand Vallon taste like?
Structurally full-bodied, low tannins, medium acidity with a very long, exotic and aromatic finish.
When should I drink Condrieu Le Grand Vallon?
Drink 2-8 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?
Seared scallops with vanilla butter is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Foie gras with quince paste and Lobster with mango and coriander. The wine's tropical richness and exotic spice are amplified by the vanilla butter.
What grapes are in Condrieu Le Grand Vallon?
The blend is Viognier (100%). The wine is classified as Condrieu AOC.