A rich, oily white wine that originated in the Northern Rhône and is rapidly growing in popularity in California, Australia, and beyond. Wines are often age in oak to deliver Chardonnay-like richness.
An incredibly fragrant nose full of sweet apricot and gingery spice. The palate is luscious and generous, but has great acid which tightens the wine, adding freshness and a clean crisp finish. Slight pithy feel which builds on the spice notes. Lovely as a fresh stand alone drink that still exhibits some mouthfeel, or equally well adapted to enjoying with a range of foods from freshly shucked oysters through to spicy Thai style dishes.
Illahe Viognier leaps from the glass with expressive apricot, nectarine skin, apple blossom, and honey suckle. The palate finishes clean crisp kiwi, chamomile, and Siletz salt. The best way to describe this wine is that it smells and tastes like spring in a bottle.
Aromatically complex with citrus and honeysuckle notes on the nose and a plush feel on the palate, our Viognier consistently displays a fine balance of neutral acidity and intense concentration.
This quintessential food wine was whole cluster pressed and stainless steel fermented to allow the vibrant, tropical and stone fruit characteristics of this varietal to shine.
Condrieu has the best terroir in the world for the Viognier grape. That is not to say, however, that it is easy to make great Viognier here. Without a gifted vigneron, the wine will veer into flabbiness. It takes significant skill and experience to make a Condrieu of finesse. Even though the grape is relatively low in acidity, the sandy soils and Lionel’s touch render this blanc remarkably fresh.
