2023 Xavier Gerard - Condrieu L'Arbuel (750ml)

One of the Northern Rhône’s most exciting young talents. Xavier Gérard took over his family’s small, steep holdings in Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu from his father François with the 2013 vintage, and he’s quickly built a reputation for pure, precise wines that rival the appellation’s best. His Condrieu stands out for its restraint and foregrounded minerality, a refreshing take on a grape that can easily turn heavy.

L’Arbuel combines two tiny parcels on granite and muscovite: a sliver of high-altitude, west-facing Corbery and a slightly larger plot just downslope in Marmouzin. Xavier picks in two passes about ten days apart, the first for acidity and the second for fruit, then ferments with native yeasts. Expect classic Viognier perfume of peach, apricot and white flowers, with pear and a hint of honey on a textured palate and a long, mineral finish. All the allure of Condrieu with real freshness. Pair with lobster, scallops, roast chicken or mildly spiced Indian dishes.