Les Chays is the colloquial name In the local dialect for the dry stone walls, that are laid out in the hillsides to retain the terraces where the vines are planted.
Condrieu is one of the largest white wine appellations of Northern Rhone and it is the grape's ancestral home of Viognier and is considered the Epitome of Viognier.
Condrieu wines have an intense scent of a flower meadow, sometimes also chamomile, the acidity is low and the body full and supple. Usually the wines are partially developed in the barrique, which supports the structure, but the varietal aroma is not dominated.
Viognier is of the hardest grape varieties to cultivate as it requires plenty of sunlight and great care to ripen. The winemakers in Condrieu harvest the grape when it’s slightly over-ripe to give the wine it's characteristic fruity flavors of ripe, sweet peaches and apricots. The wine may also have orange, honey, pears, apricot, floral, and honeydew melon flavors.
Aurelien et Gilbert Chirat create an enchanting Condrieu with just subtle oak scent. But that is the only thing that is subtle about this wine. It is extremely concentrated Condrieu, with of power and with immense length in the finale, all with an intense Viognier fragrance.
Aurélien Chirat is a fourth generation grower whose cellar in St-Michel-sur-Rhône is at the confluence of the Condrieu and Saint-Joseph appellations. His father, Gilbert, finally gave up his polycultural farming activities in 1984 to concentrate on viticulture, selling wine to the likes of Marcel Guigal. Aurélien joined Gilbert in 2008 and took control of the cellar in 2018. He still retains a relationship with Guigal, selling them Condrieu grapes in return for secondhand barrels...
Today, they control 9.5 hectares of vines, with 3ha located on the best terroir of Condrieu...
From: Exploring Northern Rhône Whites (May 2020)
Located in the middle of the one-horse town of Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône, Aurélien Chirat is quietly producing outstanding white wines that lead with freshness, even in hot vintages. His Condrieus are built on energy and structure. I suspect they will pleasantly surprise consumers with their ability to age, if one is so inclined. Drinking Window 2020-2026. Josh Raynolds, 3/2020.
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