Château Grillet Condrieu La Carthery 2019

Château Grillet’s Condrieu La Carthery 2019 is a richly expressive Northern Rhône Viognier that highlights the perfume, texture and finesse that have made this tiny estate legendary. Sourced from a privileged slope within the Condrieu appellation, La Carthery marries opulent stone-fruit character with a beautifully etched mineral backbone. This cuvée offers a more immediate, seductive expression than the estate’s grand vin, while still carrying the stamp of one of the Rhône Valley’s most historic domaines.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2019 La Carthery shows a luminous straw-gold hue with subtle green reflections, hinting at both ripeness and freshness. The nose is intensely aromatic, opening with ripe apricot, white peach and nectarine, followed by layers of acacia blossom, honeysuckle and orange zest. With a swirl, deeper notes emerge—fresh almond, a touch of ginger, and a discreet, stony minerality. On the palate, this Condrieu is full-bodied and silky, with the generous texture that typifies top Viognier but an energy and lift that keeps it wonderfully drinkable. Flavors of ripe stone fruit and baked pear are framed by citrus oil, white flowers and a saline, granitic edge. The finish is long and mouth-coating, balanced by a fine line of freshness. While already expressive and ready to enjoy now, the 2019 has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next 5–7 years, developing more honeyed and nutty complexities with time in bottle.

Production
La Carthery is sourced from steep, terraced vineyards carved into the granite slopes of Condrieu, overlooking the Rhône river. The poor, decomposed granite soils, combined with the warm continental climate and excellent south to southeast exposures, encourage low yields and concentrated fruit while preserving aromatic intensity. Grapes are typically harvested by hand in small crates to protect the delicate Viognier berries, with picking decisions made parcel by parcel to capture optimal ripeness and acidity. In the cellar, fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures, often in a mix of stainless steel and oak, with a judicious use of barrel aging—often in mostly neutral French oak—to add texture and complexity without overwhelming the grape’s natural perfume. Lees aging brings creaminess and depth, while careful handling and minimal intervention allow the terroir to remain at the forefront.

Food & Serving
Condrieu La Carthery 2019 is a versatile partner at the table, particularly with rich, aromatic cuisine. It pairs beautifully with lobster or scallops in butter or cream-based sauces, roast chicken with morel mushrooms, veal in light jus, or delicately spiced Asian dishes such as miso-glazed fish or Thai coconut curries. It also sings alongside aged Comté, soft bloomy-rind cheeses and aromatic hard cheeses. Serve at 10–12°C (50–54°F) to showcase both its freshness and its texture. Decanting for 20–30 minutes before serving can help the wine fully open its aromatic profile, especially in its youth.

Producer
Château Grillet is one of the Rhône Valley’s most singular and historic estates, best known for its tiny, eponymous appellation—one of France’s smallest AOCs—dedicated exclusively to Viognier. With a documented history stretching back centuries, the property has long been synonymous with concentrated, ageworthy white wines prized by connoisseurs. Its terraced, amphitheater-like vineyards on steep granite slopes create a dramatic and unique terroir that has helped Château Grillet secure an almost mythical status in the Northern Rhône. Under modern stewardship, the estate has refined its viticulture and winemaking practices, emphasizing low yields, meticulous vineyard work and precise, terroir-driven vinification. The Condrieu La Carthery cuvée allows wine lovers to experience the broader expression of Viognier from this iconic producer, showcasing why Château Grillet remains a reference point for the grape worldwide.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.