Small-production Condrieu from organic-practising vigneron François Dumas; hand-pressed, wild-fermented Viognier aged ~22 months in old barrels for a rich yet balanced, saline finish.
The vinification takes place with the pressing that takes place by hand with a 100-year-old press. Spontaneously fermented with only indigenous yeasts and aged for 22 months in old barrels before bottling. A rich and elegant Viognier, great for the Autumn.
Notes on the producer
François Dumas, hailing from the village of Véranne in the Loire department, initially aspired to be a sports teacher. His journey into winemaking began in 2004, when he discovered a passion for vines during a season at Cuilleron. This newfound interest led him to pursue a Professional Certificate (BPREA) in Tournon and gain experience working at Domaine Trapet in Gevrey-Chambertin for a year. In 2010, François returned to Véranne to craft his first vintage. By 2013, he had acquired plots in Saint Joseph and Condrieu, which received acclaim in tastings. François has since expanded his vineyards, reclaiming wastelands and adopting an innovative approach to cultivating both red and white grape varieties. Today, he organically manages 4 hectares of vines, a practice he has upheld since the beginning. His wines, lightly sulfited before bottling, contain a total SO2 of around 15-25 mg/L for reds and 25-35 mg/L for whites. We are delighted to present François' wines, which offer a fresh perspective on Northern Rhône wines with their focus on extended aging without new wood and a keen sense of tension. These are sincere and honest wines, reflective of the winemaker himself.
