Viognier is the Rhone’s most famous white grape variety for which it is justifiably famous and Micheal Chapoutier’s biodynamic Alchemy is a superb example. Jeb Dunnock, the region’s best known critic described it as “a mini Condrieu..but not so mini”
Micheal Chapoutier, best known for his iconic Hermitages, the visionary wine maker of the Northern Rhone bought this tiny vineyard, no bigger than most of our gardens, some 5 years ago. The plot is right next to his house and is the first plot he turned biodynamic, hence the label.
Chapoutier personally makes the wine by gently pressing whole bunches of grapes and leaving the juice on the lees (the skins) for a few days. The result is a dry, very fresh, full bodied viognier with hints of ripe peaches and orange blossom and a gorgeous flinty minerality and a savory finish.
For those of us who appreciate good viognier, this is a must buy – delicious on its own but if anything it is a food wine – from oysters and dover sole to mildly spicy dishes and all white meats. You will not be disappointed.
