Le Petit Viognier, Domaine du Monteillet

As good an example of Viognier as you’ll find outside of Condrieu. Complex and superbly balanced

Stéphane Montez’s family have been growing grapes in the Northern Rhône for ten generations and today have 23 hectares of prime vineyards in Condrieu, Côte Rôtie and Saint-Joseph. After formally studying winemaking in France, Stéphane travelled to South Africa, Australia, California and England to experience winemaking outside France before returning to the family estate.

Although he cannot allude to the northern Rhône Viognier appellation on the label, this “baby Condrieu” (“Petit Viognier” is as close as he could get!) is made from declassified, young vine Condrieu fruit and a little Viognier from selected nearby vineyard sites, grown on granite soils. It spends nine months in 600L demi-muids to add complexity and harmony without overwhelming the delicious Viognier fruit character.

Hugely appealing citrus, ripe apricot, and vanilla on the nose. Sublime on the palate and more restrained than the nose, with a delicious balance between generosity of fruit, elegant minerality and a touch of fresh ginger spice. Moderate acidity and a subtle bitterness to the finish drives it along.

Colour – White
Producer – Domaine du Monteillet
Country – France
Region – Rhône
Vegan – No
ABV – 14%
Grapes – Viognier
Vintage – 2022
Sustainability – Non-Organic
Female Winemaker – No
Food Pairings – Cheese soufflé, Thai curries