Chateau Grillet 2022

Tasting Note Chateau Grillet 2022

Apricot and peach skin, honey behind it, with a dry, almost stony edge. Château Grillet 2022 is full-bodied but moves lightly, which is not what a hot year usually gives. Texture does the work here rather than acidity. Give it air and the aromatics widen. Approachable already, though the shape suggests more to come.

Grape Varieties

Château Grillet is planted entirely to Viognier, a variety that yields little and rots easily, which is part of why production stays small. Viognier brings the weight and the stone-fruit perfume. On the terraces of the Château-Grillet appellation it keeps a tension that fuller Viognier from elsewhere in the northern Rhône somteimes loses.

Cellaring Potential

A couple of years in the cellar will do Château Grillet 2022 good, since the fruit is still folded in tight. Best enjoyed until 2038. Serve at 12-14°C, and we would pour it into a carafe rather than straight from the bottle.

About Chateau Grillet

In France, it's rare to find a winery with its own appellation. Chateau Grillet is one such place, a monopole completely surrounded by Condrieu, with Appellation Château-Grillet Contrôlée printed on its single-owner, single-vineyard label. Isabelle Baratin brought in Denis Dubourdieu as a consultant in 2000 and sold the estate in 2011, bringing to a close a history of family ownership that had continued since 1830. This property was classified as National Heritage in 1976.

Vineyard & Terroir

The 76 terraces, built on the steep slope between Vérin and Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône, wind in a horseshoe shape above the river, curving south to southeast. Thanks to the granite soil, Chateau Grillet wines exhibit a stony character. The bowl-shaped topography traps light and heat, which is moderated by the lower-lying Rhône. Since mechanical work is impossible on these slopes, all vineyard tasks are performed by hand.

Winemaking

Since the winery was rebuilt in 2012, grapes from each terrace have been pressed and vinified separately, ensuring that the distinct characteristics of each vineyard block are fully preserved right up to the final blending stage. Harvested grapes are placed in small crates, and sorting takes place in the vineyard itself rather than at the winery. Aging takes place on fine lees, which adds a rich texture with a deliberately low proportion of new oak. The final blend is assembled barrel by barrel. A team of four, led by Alois Ueto, oversees every step of the process throughout the year.

Food Pairing: Chateau Grillet

It stands out for its full body, aromatic profile, and minerality that pairs well with rich sauces. Recommended pairings:

• Grilled sea bream stuffed with herbs, the quintessential pairing for a northern Rhône white wine
• Roast chicken with tarragon, the meat's richness harmonizes with the wine's texture
• Scallops in beurre blanc
• Medium-strength cheese, Saint-Marcellin, or a young Comté

It's best to use spices sparingly to allow the floral aromas to shine through.