Domaine du Monteillet Le Petit
100% Viognier
GP Collines Rhodaniennes 
14% abv 
As good an example of Viognier as you'll find outside of Condrieu. Complex and superbly balanced.
 
The terraces of winemaker Stéphane's vineyards are to the east of Mont Pilat and are protected from the worst of the weather - his domaine has the lowest rainfall in the region - which ensures concentrated, healthy grapes. Like many people in the new order of Rhône winemaking, Stéphane believes in a reductive style of vinification in order to naturally extract and preserve all the fresh aromatics from his grapes. 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.
Tasting notes
Hugely appealing citrus, ripe apricot (verging on apricot yoghurt!) 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. Fabulous!
Food match
A delicious apéritif or serve with seafood, grilled sole, cheese soufflé, or steamed Asian dishes with ginger and corriader flavours.