Jean-Michel Gérin : Les Eguets 2018

Tasting characteristics and advice for Les Eguets 2018 by Jean-Michel Gérin

Tasting

Appearance

The wine shows a pale yellow hue with golden highlights, reflecting the elegance and youthfulness of this white wine.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic intensity, expressing notes of white stone fruits such as peach and ripe apricot, complemented by delicate floral nuances of acacia and white flowers. Hints of exotic fruit such as lychee and mango enrich the aromatic profile, while a subtle minerality evokes the granitic terroir.

Palate

On the palate, this wine charms with its rounded, silky texture, perfectly balanced by a refreshing vibrancy. Flavors of white fruit and citrus unfold with finesse, supported by a fine mineral structure. The medium-length finish reveals a slight, elegant bitterness that brings complexity and definition.

Food and wine pairings

This Condrieu is an ideal match for delicate fish, poached or steamed, shellfish such as langoustines in a citrus carpaccio, as well as poultry prepared with green curry and avocado. It also pairs beautifully with foie gras or aged goat cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

Les Eguets 2018 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 10 and 12°C. This wine can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve through around 2027.

A precise and refined Condrieu from the Rhône Valley

The estate

Founded in 1983 by Jean-Michel Gérin at the age of 22, Domaine Jean-Michel Gérin now spans 17 to 20 hectares in the Northern Rhône Valley. Located in Ampuis, at the heart of the Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu appellations, the estate is now run by the founder’s sons, Michaël and Alexis Gérin, who officially took the helm in 2022. Renowned for its heroic viticulture on vertiginous slopes and its precise parcel-by-parcel approach, the estate obtained organic certification for the 2023 vintage, reflecting its commitment to sustainable, terroir-respectful viticulture.

The vineyard

The Les Eguets vineyard covers 0.5 hectares within the Condrieu appellation, on spectacular slopes reaching a 60% gradient. The soils are composed of decomposed granite, locally known as arène, characteristic of this prestigious appellation. These extreme conditions require entirely manual work and promote optimal sun exposure, enabling viognier to reach exceptional ripeness while retaining freshness and minerality.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage benefited from favorable climatic conditions in the Rhône Valley, allowing for optimal grape ripening with a remarkable balance between aromatic concentration and natural freshness.

Vinification and aging

Les Eguets 2018 was hand-harvested with a stringent berry selection. After partial destemming, fermentation took place at a controlled temperature. Aging lasted around 12 months, split equally between stainless-steel tanks and 500-liter demi-muids, preserving aromatic purity while adding complexity and texture. Yields were limited to 38 hectoliters per hectare.

Grape variety

100% viognier