Guigal Condrieu Doriane 2022

Region and Vineyards

Condrieu is a small but revered appellation in the Northern Rhône Valley, exclusively devoted to the Viognier grape. Its steep, terraced vineyards overlook the Rhône River, planted on ancient, decomposed granite soils that are ideal for cultivating Viognier’s low-yielding yet intensely aromatic grapes.

Guigal sources La Doriane from five of the most prized parcels within the appellation: Côte Chatillon, Chéry, Vernon, Volan, and Colombier. These plots span the communes of Condrieu, Malleval, and Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône, each contributing a specific mineral signature. The combination of biotite and muscovite granite soils, iron oxides, and varying altitudes enhances the wine’s complexity. Vines average 35 years of age, producing fruit of remarkable concentration and aromatic purity. Yields are extremely low—approximately 23 hL/ha—highlighting the wine’s boutique character.

Winemaking

Made from 100% Viognier, La Doriane is the result of a refined vinification philosophy, combining traditional techniques with Guigal's signature precision. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo fermentation exclusively in new French oak barriques, enhancing texture and broadening the aromatic spectrum.

Following fermentation, the wine undergoes complete malolactic conversion, softening acidity and amplifying creaminess. The élevage lasts approximately 12 months in new oak barrels, lending the wine its characteristic richness, depth, and gentle spiciness. The final cuvée is crafted from small-volume selections, yielding just around 6,000 bottles, underscoring its exclusivity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Brilliant pale golden yellow, with shimmering clarity and subtle green hues.
• Aroma: Highly expressive, evoking white flowers, ripe peach, apricot, and acacia blossom, complemented by subtle vanilla, hazelnut, and honeyed nuances.
• Palate: Full-bodied and voluptuous, yet impeccably balanced. Silky textures unfold over layers of stone fruit, almond cream, and fresh citrus zest. A streak of minerality underscores the wine’s origin, while its persistent finish offers a fine interplay of richness and freshness.

Did you know?

Guigal’s “La Doriane” is not only a benchmark Condrieu but also a modern icon that helped elevate the reputation of Viognier internationally. First released in the early 1990s, it was among the first single-cuvée Condrieus to fully embrace oak maturation and parcel selection—techniques that were once controversial but now define top-tier expressions of the grape.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc – the wine’s richness and freshness echo the dish’s creamy and zesty elements.
• Foie gras torchon with fig chutney – Viognier’s ripe stone fruit and floral notes harmonize beautifully with the richness of foie gras.
• Lobster risotto with saffron – a luxurious match where both wine and dish elevate each other’s textural depth.
• White truffle scrambled eggs – a decadent yet simple pairing that highlights the wine’s aromatic and savory complexity.

History of Guigal

The history of Guigal began in 1924, when Étienne Guigal arrived in Ampuis at the age of 14 and started working in winemaking. After years of gaining expertise, he established Maison Guigal in 1946. In 1961, Marcel Guigal, Étienne’s son, took over the estate at the age of 17 after his father became temporarily blind. Marcel, along with his wife Bernadette, expanded the estate's operations, and their son Philippe Guigal joined them in 1973. Today, Philippe Guigal continues to lead the winemaking efforts alongside his wife Eve, representing the third generation of the family.

Through their vision and dedication, the Guigals expanded the estate’s holdings significantly. In 1984, they acquired the historic Vidal-Fleury estate. Later, they added iconic vineyards such as Château d’Ampuis in 1995, as well as parcels in Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Crozes-Hermitage in 2001. In 2017, they purchased Château de Nalys in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, marking their entry into the Southern Rhône.

Region and Vineyards

Guigal’s vineyards span some of the most prestigious appellations of the Northern Rhône, including Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Crozes-Hermitage. The estate is especially known for its Côte-Rôtie wines, including the famed “La La” series: La Mouline, La Turque, and La Landonne. These single-vineyard wines are recognized globally for their power, complexity, and ability to age for decades.

In the Southern Rhône, the acquisition of Château de Nalys in Châteauneuf-du-Pape added another prestigious appellation to their portfolio. The vineyards are meticulously managed, with a focus on sustainable viticulture and preserving the expression of each terroir.

Winemaking Philosophy

Guigal is renowned for its meticulous approach to winemaking, particularly their practice of aging wines in new French oak barrels for extended periods—sometimes up to three years for their top cuvées. In 2003, they established their own cooperage at Château d’Ampuis, giving them complete control over the oak used for their wines. This precise approach to barrel aging ensures that the wines maintain a balance between the richness imparted by the oak and the expression of the terroir.

Wine Range

Guigal produces a broad array of wines across the Rhône Valley’s greatest appellations:

• Côte-Rôtie: The iconic La Mouline, La Turque, and La Landonne wines are some of the most collectible wines in the world, praised for their intensity and ability to age.
• Condrieu: Notably, the estate produces La Doriane, a benchmark for Viognier wines from this appellation, known for its elegance and aromatic complexity.
• Hermitage: Guigal’s Ex Voto wines, both red and white, represent the pinnacle of this legendary appellation, combining power, structure, and finesse.
• Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage: These appellations offer both reds and whites, celebrated for their balance of fruit, minerality, and refinement.
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape: With Château de Nalys, Guigal now produces both red and white Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines that reflect the richness and complexity of the Southern Rhône.

Did You Know?

Guigal’s top cuvées, such as La Landonne, La Mouline, and La Turque, have achieved the prestigious score of 100 points from wine critic Robert Parker across numerous vintages, solidifying their status among the world’s finest wines. In addition, Marcel Guigal was awarded Decanter Man of the Year in 2006 for his contributions to the Rhône Valley's winemaking legacy​​.