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An estate offering Condrieu and Saint Joseph wines
 During the last ten years, northern Rhône Valley wines have become increasingly popular. These wines and their producers remained undiscovered for a long time, but people have suddenly had a taste of their quality. Come discover the wines of the famous estate in Chavanay in the Loire Valley, which produces one of the best Condrieu ever, not to mention its Saint Joseph wines.
The estate covers 15ha: 4ha of Condrieu vines, 6ha of red Saint Joseph vines, 2ha of white Saint Joseph vines, and 3ha of local vines. Marc and Dominique produce wines full of character. They are light, intense and rich, very unlike the dull, personality-lacking commercial concessions. These wine-producers know how to respect the region's soil and its grapes. A must try!
Suggested wines:
1) White «Condrieu» 2005: from the Viognier vine. Golden in colour, a complex mix of aromas from violets, stone fruit (such as apricot), red-fleshed peach, acacia flowers, spices and dried fruit. A rich, ropy, and smooth wine. Best enjoyed young (before 2009) at around 10°C. Try it as an apéritif, with foie gras, scallops, seafood, and fresh cheeses.
2) White «Saint Joseph» 2005: from the Syrah vine. A fresh, fruity, rich and long-life wine. Its pale colour becomes darker with age. Strong aroma, hint of apricot and peach. Drink anytime within 6 years. This wine is the perfect accompaniment for fish, seafood, risotto, ravioli and goat cheeses.
3) Red «Saint Joseph» 2005: from the Marsanne vine. A full-bodied and tannic wine, beautiful ruby colour. More refined with age (3 to 5 years). It becomes ropy, silky, fine and delicate. Also enjoyable young, after sitting in a carafe for 1 - 2 hours. Its intense bouquet of cassis, violets and raspberry blend perfectly with small game, red meat, lasagne and ratatouille.
4) Red «Saint Joseph Anaïs»2004:* A special vintage from old Syrah vines mostly grown on hillsides. Mature for 12 to18 months in oak tree trunks. Casks are selected before the bottling process, based on colour, bouquet and taste. A very subtle, crimson wine, an aroma of berries and a hint of vanilla, and a fullness due to its fermentation in casks. The Anaïs vintage goes perfectly with roasted duck, stewed boar, fried chanterelle mushrooms, and ripe Pont-l'évêque cheese.
5) Red «Pays Syrah» 2004: from the Syrah vines not belonging to the Saint Joseph designation. A flavoured wine, fruity, slightly tannic, best enjoyed young over a picnic with cook meats, roasted chicken, spaghetti bolognaise, and Saint Marcellin cheese.
by Laurent Turrel, © www.nuncbibendum.com 2007
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