Score: 93/100
The Domaine E. Guigal is primarily a producer of wines from the Northen Rhone where the winery is located (in Ampuis).
It’s therefore naturally that they produce this very reputable Condrieu white wine reviewed here.
Like all Condrieu wines, this is made from 100% Viognier grapes, grown on sand and granite soils, and cultivated on steep terraced slopes.
Alcoholic fermentation was run at a low temperature in new barrels (1/3) and in stainless steel tanks (2/3). THe wine has gone through 100% malolactic fermentation.
Tasting Notes:
The wine has a bright and rather intense lemon yellow color.
The nose is intensely floral, also filled with oaky notes.
Ligth honey notes and nectar dance with orange blossom and citrus aromas. For the elegant oaky side: vanilla and smoke. The smell also displays spicy tones of nutmeg, white pepper, anise. It’s complex, fresh, and intense bouquet.
The palate is very textural, with a distinctive upfront oily texture, quickly taken over by a great acidity, while the finish is a little tannic with silky oak and grapes tannins leaving a delicate drying aftertaste. The wine feels a little warm, but there’s so much freshness from the flavors, combined with this solid acidity that it feels light and refined. The wine’s weight, alcohol, the length and complexity make you realize this is serious wine though.
Plenty of flavors of citrus peel, dried apricot, star anise, peach, and spices fill the glass and your palate and provide a long layered finish.
Overall
A very concentrated Viognier wine, filled with typical varietal characters of stonefruit and blossom, as well as plenty of character from a fermentation in oak that has given it complexity, depth, and spiciness.
A rich, textural, rather warm and long wine disguised in light fruity flavors. The result is an enjoyable drink full of fruity characters and good acidity, but with weight, refinement and length.
Food & Wine Pairings
An ideal wine to pair with delicate seafood dishes and subtle entrees.
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