Northern Rhone Whites from Xavier Gerard
Xavier Gerard Whites
Most are familiar with this estate from a few weeks back when we had a great deal on the Cote Rotie. For this week, I wanted to feature the new line up of whites. I feel that Northern Rhone whites in general are somewhat misunderstood. Well, maybe that's not even the right term. Simply, people should be exploring these more.
As most know, the Northern Rhone is home to the formidable Viognier grape that struts his stuff as a village wine and as the main grape in the iconic Condrieu AOC. It is here that Viognier is it's most powerful and impressive; wines that can age, develop and sing like a great white Burgundy. There are certain notes in Condrieu that are simply not seen in other white wines around the world. The apricot and other exotic Asian fruits are like no other. The perfume is wild and racy while the floral aromas are distinct, precise and always give me that transformative feeling.
10% off 6, 15% off 12,
2017 Xavier Gerard Viognier Vin de Pays des Collines
Newsletter Price: $27.99
A tiny production of just 3500 bottles, this is a balanced Viognier that leans towards fresh fruit and acid, rather than any tropical notes. The grapes are sourced from a partially-terraced 1.05ha parcel in Verin, located 2km from Condrieu. The Malolactic fermentation is blocked, keeping a high level of acidity in this sharp expression of granite-infused soil. The dominant notes are white flowers, violets, with persistent minerality through the finish.
2017 Xavier Gerard Condrieu L'Arbuel
Newsletter Price: $56.99
Beginning with the 2015 vintage, the Condrieu “Marmouzin” will be blended with a new parcel of in the lieu-dit “Corbery”, a .18-hectare parcel located slightly higher than Marmouzin. Both parcels are too small to bottle individually (Marmouzin is only .32-hectare). Both vineyards sit high on the slope overlooking the majestic Rhone and display a more mineral and cool character compared with the richer “La Côte Chatillon
2017 Xavier Gerard Condrieu "La Cote Chatillon"
Newsletter Price: $59.99
From the estate’s finest holding, situated in the middle of the slope overlooking the Rhone, this cuvee from the famed “Cote Chatillon” lieu-dit has long been the flagship Condrieu of Domaine Gerard. After fermentation in cuve, the wine spends one year in a mix of 500L and 225L barrels, the vast majority of which are old. The richness of the fruit is placed in balance by bright acidity, in a masterfully-controlled wine. A liveliness and notes of spice carry through the pleasing finish.