Condrieu Lône 2024 Julien Pilon

The Condrieu Lône 2024 from Julien Pilon is among the most anticipated and discussed Condrieu of the appellation, a 100 per cent Viognier of such finesse and drinkability that it fundamentally questions the stereotypes attached to this sun-blessed grape. Its name carries poetic weight from local Rhône dialect: a lône refers to those secondary waterways of the Rhône, quiet tributaries whose origin remains mysterious, neither directly fed by a river nor by the river's main course, an image of calm, fluidity and mystery perfectly suited to a fine, lively and luminous Condrieu, far from the rich and heavy versions one might fear from this variety. The 2024 vintage, marked by cool nights that preserved the acidity and tension of the grapes, represents one of the finest recent vintages from the domaine for this cuvée.

Terroir and vineyard

Condrieu Lône 2024 is a blend of four distinct terroirs within the appellation, Jeanraude, Verlieu, Peyrolland and Bassenon, including the mythical Bassenon parcel, recognised by connoisseurs as one of Condrieu's most precious sites. The vines are planted on the famous steep hillsides overlooking the commune of Condrieu, facing directly south to south-east, with a high planting density of 9,000 vines per hectare, a deliberate choice that constrains each vine to produce less but better fruit. The soils are granitic and sandy, particularly shallow before reaching bedrock, which naturally disciplines vigour and forces roots deep into the granite to draw out minerality and tension. All vineyard work is done by hand, from pruning to harvest. Vinification follows the house philosophy: each parcel is harvested and vinified separately, musts are severely racked after pressing, alcoholic fermentation is slow and conducted at cool temperatures, malolactic fermentation is complete, then ageing unfolds over ten months in 225 litre Bordeaux barrels with only 10 per cent new oak, a minimal use of wood that places terroir and fruit centre stage, never masking them.

Tasting profile

The colour is pale gold with golden highlights, bright and limpid, with the visual lightness characteristic of Pilon's style. The nose is elegant, precise and typica of Viognier at its finest: white peach, fresh apricot and grapefruit mingle with subtle floral notes of acacia and orange blossom, with a light spice and discreet granitic minerality in the background. On the palate, salinity immediately establishes itself as the signature: the wine is supple, round and genuinely generous, yet never heavy or cloying, precisely what Lône enthusiasts seek and find vintage after vintage. The texture is silky, the roundness controlled, and the finish fresh and almost saline, inviting another sip. Delicate bitters extend the finish with elegance and persistence, bringing that extra dimension that distinguishes great Condrieu from merely charming versions. A Viognier for those who love precision as much as generosity, to drink now in its full aromatic expression, or to keep for three to five years.

The domaine

Julien Pilon is one of the most engaging and promising figures in the northern Rhône vineyard. Based in Chavanay on the Rhône's right bank, he made his first wines in 2010 in his parents' garage, without land or cellar, before gradually building a producer-négociant structure whose reputation grew vintage by vintage, earning one star from the Revue du Vin de France. Owner of a few vines in Côte Rôtie and Condrieu, he also vinifies carefully selected grapes from all the great northern Rhône appellations. His philosophy is clear: careful ageing, individual treatment of each parcel and vintage, respect for fruit purity and wine finesse. Lône and Vernon, his two Condrieu, are now considered among the appellation's finest wines, consistently pushing toward Condrieu's very best with each vintage.

Food pairing

This Condrieu Lône pairs beautifully with seared scallops in tarragon butter, semi-cooked foie gras with citrus, grilled lobster, roasted line-caught fish with fresh herbs, wild mushroom risotto or cream-based poultry dishes. It also finds harmony with lightly aged Crottin de Chavignol to play with contrasts. Served between 10 and 12°C, it can also be enjoyed alone as a prestige apéritif, to fully appreciate the aromatic expression and salinity of a great granite Viognier.