Saint Cosme Condrieu 2022
A graceful, sleek and charming Condrieu showing wonderful complexity with perfumed hints of fennel, liquorice, elderflower, antique rose and anise layered with apricot and preserved lemon.
The Condrieu appellation lies within in a nine-mile stretch of the Rhône Valley on a winding section of the Rhône River. The appellation name derives from a French phrase meaning 'corner of the stream'. The vines are planted on granite sand soils which impart a sleek elegance to the usual fullness of the Viognier variety. The vines extremely low-yielding and are manually cultivated, with hand harvesting.
The bunches were carefully sorted and underwent a slow, gentle low pressure pressing. Fermentation took place with wild yeasts in 30% in demi-muids, 30% in small barrels and 40% in vats. The wine was then aged for eight months in old Burgundy casks, the wine finished its malolactic fermentation on the fine lees. 40% was matured in casks used for one wine, 30% in casks used for two wines and 40% in casks used for three wines. Maturation in Condrieu is always about the relationship between fine lees, which preserve fruit and freshness, and the top of the cask where the ratio of oxygen produces what Louis refers to as ‘inherent terroir revelation’. This tiny amount of oxygen that plays a pivotal role in creating a harmonious wine that reflects the deep-seated character of its terroir.
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Alcoholic strength | 13.5% |
| Country | France |
| Region | Rhône |
| Subregion | Condrieu |
| Grapes | Viognier 100% |
| Dry/Sweet value | 1 |
| Contains sulphites | Yes |
| Vegetarian | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Milk | No |
| Eggs | No |
| Organic | No |
| Biodynamic | No |
| Closure | Cork |
Steeped in history, Château de Saint Cosme is nestled in the southern Rhône appellation of Gigondas and has been in the Barruol family for over 500 years. In 1992, fourteenth generation winemaker, Louis Barroul took over the reins of the estate from his father. Today, he is one of the most highly respected winemakers in the Rhône Valley and is affectionately referred to by fellow winemakers of the region as the ‘Genius of Gigondas’. With great determination and flair, he showcases the great potential of the Gigondas terroir with his outstanding parcellaire cuvées from individual old-vine vineyard plots. The estate has great geological diversity, as it is exceptionally located at the crosspoint of two geological faults, which is very rare. Over the years, Louis has also established his own ‘negoce’ wines, seeking out the spirit of soils and vineyards, working painstakingly with small batch fermentations, advancing hand in hand with wine growers who love what they do, while adding that special touch. This has enabled him to explore and master different terroirs, from which he consistently produces pure wines with a precise sense of place, personality and balance.
