Château-Grillet is a wine for the initiated, which does not give up its secrets easily; it has great elegance, tightness and a magnificent aromatic complexity. It is a wine for laying down, and requires patience until it reveals all its magic. Its minerality is often accompanied by a freshness reminiscent of a sea breeze, sometimes even with hints of mint. The aromatic spectrum is wide and varied. Floral elegance (rose, violet, lime-blossom) and soft fruitiness (pear, pineapple, apricot) can also accompany warmer, more indulgent notes such as honey, nougat, hazelnut, vanilla, white truffle, or spices like saffron. A remarkably well-balanced wine, dominated by its fat which is nicely offset by the excellent acidity. Château-Grillet is a perfect match for truffled foie gras, roast turbot, grilled lobster, scallops or Bresse chicken in cream sauce. Pairings with Asian cuisine, spicy foods and sweet-and-sour flavours can also provide wonderful experiences.
-Winemaker's Notes
The 2010 vintage is stunning, crystaline with great finesse. It was produced in very small quantities and after a draconian selection of the best barrels. Château Grillet Blanc 2010 is a dry, full-bodied and aromatic Viognier, with texture and intense flavors of stone fruits (peaches and apricots). Château Grillet is located in the communes of Saint-Michel-sur-Rhone, nestled deep in the middle of the appellation Condrieu, this very specific terroir gives an often stunning wine, one of the best in France. Château Grillet is only appellation in France which is owned by one owner and grower. With an area of 3.5 hectares, it is also one of the smallest.
Aromas of violets and apricots, hints of honey and almond. Palate: Round, rich and intense, very long finish. This vintage saw very balanced climatic conditions. The autumn was warm and the winter started mild. December saw some very cold days, however (-5°C), and rainfall well above the seasonal average. Winter 2010 was one of the coldest in the Rhône in the past fifteen years. The extreme cold was beneficial for the vines, as it wiped out disease. January was harsh, with abundant winds and snow. Spring was slow to arrive, with cold, wet conditions in April and May, and the summer hot, pleasant without being extreme.
