Condrieu Les Grandes Chaillées, Domaine du Monteillet 2023

The appellation of Condrieu is the spiritual home of Viognier, and a concentrated and succulent example such as this goes a long way to explain why it's become such a widely planted grape in other parts of the world. Aromas of apricots and honeysuckle pull you in, followed by a richness and bright, fresh minerality striking a good balance between texture and finesse. Ageing for eleven months in oak barriques has given it a restrained polish and the capacity to develop notes of honey and toast as it ages.

Goes brilliantly with roast guinea fowl or duck with an orange glaze, the rich textures and exotic perfume are spot on. Just coming into its own, with years ahead to enjoy.

Domaine du Monteillet's Stéphane Montez comes from a family who have grown grapes in the Northern Rhône for ten generations and, today, have vineyards across Condrieu, Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, Cornas and Saint-Péray. Stéphane took over from his father Antoine in 1997, after gaining experience in South Africa, Australia, California and England. His style favours power and precision and this approach has kept the domaine's reputation on a steady upward slope.