Xavier Gerard Viognier IGP Rhodanniennes
These classically styled whites are a little more serious and structured than their counterparts. Look for classics like White Burgundy, Austrian Gruner Veltliner, Loire Valley Chenin Blanc and more, as well as contemporary options from around the globe.
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*Pick up orders are available next day for pick upXavier Gerard is one of the new stars of the Northern Rhone growers. Xavier, now in his 30s, received from his father a set of fabulous parcels spread from Côte Rotie (including a tiny holding in La Landonne vineyard), Condrieu and Saint Joseph. His first vintage was 2013, and soon after the wines became available in the international market he received a cult status.
The estate accesses impressive holdings in Condrieu and Cote-Rotie, with the majority of the vines under estate ownership, though a small component of rented vineyards is also included. Of the 3.5 hectare of AOC Condrieu under their watch, 3 hectare are estate-owned, while 2.2 hectare of the 3.2 hectare of Cote-Rotie vineyards belong to the family. A tiny parcel of Saint Joseph rounds out the holdings. The steep, craggy slopes of the vineyards demand that all work be done manually, and Xavier continues the traditional practices in the cellar, with spontaneous fermentation and classic Northern Rhone elevage, mostly in older barrels of demi-muid size. The estate produces five wines.
The grapes for this wine were sourced from a partially-terraced 1.05ha parcel in Verin, located 2km from Condrieu. Xavier chose to avoid malolactic fermentation to retain the wines natural acidity. Balanced with notes of apricots, peaches, and white flowers, it has a lovely touch of minerality on the finish.
