Description
Saint Péray ‘Version’ François Villard 2021
François Villard, St-Michel-sur-Rhône, Condrieu
“The wines have immediate flair and lots of life in them. The winemaking is modern, with new oak a constant feature. Villard has been restraining himself on the cellar techniques in the last two or three vintages, and the wines sit more comfortably in the glass as a result.”
John Livingstone-Learmonth, DrinkRhone.com 2017
François’ empire keeps growing, but he still keeps a tight rein on the operations, whilst being open to sharing his knowledge and passion for his region. The recent winery above St-Michel-sur-Rhône, that seemed so large a few years ago, is now bursting with vats and barrels, but the quality remains. The wines are often seen on the tables of most of the best restaurants around the world.
Saint Péray ‘Version’: 70% Marsanne and 30% Roussanne, from vines around 20 year old (3 vineyards around the village of Saint Péray, decomposed granite and clay soil). Fermented and aged in Burgundy barrels for 11 months, in 3 to 5 year old barrels.
Fine yellow; the nose is buttery, on roasted nuts, lime and white strawberry, table wax, has a steady depth. This is a bit New Wave on the palate, moves easily, depth, but continues with some fresh saltiness and assertion, keeps going after its quiet attack. The flavour is nutty, peach stone.
Grape: 70% Marsanne, 30% Roussanne
