François Villard : Les Terrasses du Palat 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Condrieu "Les Terrasses du Palat" 2023 by François Villard

Tasting notes

Color
This white wine from the Rhône Valley displays a pale yellow color with brilliant highlights, revealing beautiful clarity.

Nose
Expressive and remarkably complex, the bouquet reveals aromas of white flowers and yellow-fleshed fruits such as pear, peach, and apricot. Subtle notes of honey and sweet spices round out this rich olfactory palette.

Palate
From the very first sip, a full and generous sensation fills the palate, supported by a structuring freshness. The perfect balance between fruity roundness and acidity stretches the wine toward a long, remarkably elegant finish.

Service and storage

To fully enjoy this wine, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 10 and 12°C. Approachable from its youth, it can also be cellared and enjoyed until around 2033.

Food and wine pairing

Ideal as an aperitif, this wine pairs wonderfully with sautéed shrimp, seafood, or delicate fish. It also pairs perfectly with white meats such as stuffed turkey, as well as dishes with exotic flavors or an apricot tart for dessert.

The authentic expression of a great Condrieu wine by Domaine François Villard

The estate

Founded in 1989 by a passionate former chef, Domaine François Villard is located in Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône. Still led by its founder, the estate quickly established itself as a leading reference in the region. The estate spans forty-five hectares. The winemaker's philosophy is rooted in a constant pursuit of balance, favoring finesse and minerality to craft authentic wines that faithfully reflect their exceptional terroirs.

The vineyard

The grapes for this cuvée come mainly from plots located in the communes of Chavanay and Vérin, the historic cradle of the appellation. With an average age of twenty-five years, the vines benefit from an ideal south-facing exposure on sun-drenched terraces. They thrive in soils composed of decomposed quartzitic granite, a unique geology that gives the wine its signature minerality.

Winemaking and aging

Hand-harvesting ensures a rigorous selection of the berries. In the cellar, the wine undergoes direct pressing followed by natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Aging begins with eleven months in barrels, only a tiny proportion of which are new oak, with weekly stirring of the lees during the first six months. The wine is then transferred to stainless steel tanks for an additional seven months to stabilize and refine its aromatic profile.

Grape variety

Viognier (100%).