François Villard, Condrieu, Terrasses du Palat, St-Michel-sur-Rhône, Northern Rhône, France, 2023

Producer Profile

François’ empire keeps growing, but he still keeps a tight reign on the operations, whilst being open to sharing his knowledge and passion for his region.

The recently expanded winery perched above Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône, once modest in size, is now brimming with vats and barrels—yet the exceptional quality remains unwavering. François Villard’s distinguished estate, founded in 1989 by the former chef turned winemaker, has grown to encompass over 40 hectares of vineyards, alongside an additional 25 hectares sourced from trusted growers. Producing around 450,000 bottles annually, the domaine offers a diverse portfolio of 23 cuvées from some of the northern Rhône Valley’s most celebrated appellations, including Condrieu, Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, and Saint-Péray. These wines regularly grace the tables of top restaurants worldwide, a testament to their enduring excellence.

Viticulture

This wine is crafted from a blend of grapes sourced from Chavany, lending vibrant fruitiness, and Vérin, which contributes mineral complexity and a lively tension. Soils are decomposed granite and quartz, and the vines average 25 years old/

Winemaking

A direct pressing followed by a low temperature fermentation in barrel with native yeasts. 12 months of aging on the fine lees in oak barrels and foudres as well as 6 months in stainless steel.

Tasting Note

Typical richness and trademark peach and apricot flavours that Viognier is renowned for, combined with minerality, tension and mouthwatering flavours of pineapple and honey whilst still retaining a delicate finesse and fragrant finish.

Food Matching

Roasted chicken with tarragon or creamy sauces, thai green curry or Moroccan tagines with apricot and almond, mild blue cheeses like Fourme d’Ambert.