Condrieu Chéry 2023 André Perret | Rhône

Description: Condrieu Chéry 2023 | André Perret

The Condrieu Chéry 2023 from the André Perret estate is a benchmark wine for its appellation, enjoying a level of recognition that few white wines from the Northern Rhône can boast. Chéry is produced on the slopes of the eponymous hillside, the one connoisseurs cite when naming the best Condrieus. André Perret took over the family estate in 1982, patiently transforming it from an orchard to a vineyard. His daughter Marie has been making wine alongside him since 2019 and is gradually taking over the estate. While the transition is unassuming, it is nonetheless pivotal.

Terroir and Grape Varieties

The Chéry vineyard is located in Vérin, on the famous terraces that shape the typical landscapes of the northern Rhône Valley. The soil here is granitic and schistose, rich in mica and particularly crumbly. The south and southeast exposure ensures slow and steady ripening. The vines are on average 60 years old: at this stage of maturity, yields are naturally limited, which gives the wines a profile that is both pure and concentrated. Viognier reigns supreme over the 3 hectares of this magnificent plot cultivated by the estate.

Viticulture and Winemaking

Viticulture and the harvest are entirely manual. Pesticides are applied sparingly, only when on-site observation warrants it, and without a set schedule. Yield control is achieved through green harvesting between July and August, supplemented by leaf removal if necessary.

Winemaking divides the production: one-third of the grapes ferment in stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatic freshness; the remaining two-thirds ferment in used barrels to refine the texture and enhance aromatic depth without risking masking the fruit. Aging lasts 12 months on fine lees, during which temperature and humidity are carefully controlled.

Condrieu Chéry 2023 | André Perret: The Sommelier’s Review

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin

The Chéry holds a special place on the Condrieu hillside. It’s not simply the top-tier cuvée of a renowned estate— it’s a must-try of the appellation. What I appreciate here is the tension. Viognier can easily veer toward heaviness and aromatic indulgence. At Domaine Perret, the winemaking and aging processes successfully rein in this exuberance to let the granitic terroir shine through. The 2023 vintage is a pleasure to drink right now, but it will reach its peak between 2030 and 2040: this is a wine worth waiting for if you want to fully appreciate its depth. Serve at around 12°C with a lovely Bresse chicken stuffed with Alba truffles, or a Rossini-style lobster tournedos.

The Nose

The nose opens with the characteristic profile of Viognier: white peach and ripe apricot, a hint of violet in the background, and that delicate honeyed note that defines the most elegant expression of the grape. Yet the overall impression is never over-the-top, and after a few minutes of aeration, an authentically mineral core emerges, brimming with freshness.

Palate

On the palate, the full-bodied and rich wine unfolds its creamy, well-rounded texture, characteristic of well-managed aging on lees. A lively and precise acidity prevents the wine from becoming heavy, adding dynamism to the tasting experience. This sense of balance lends extra length to the yellow fruit flavors on the finish, whose slightly mineral aftertaste prolongs the impression of freshness.

Condrieu: Everything You Need to Know About This Appellation

Condrieu is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in the Northern Rhône, located south of Lyon on steep hillsides overlooking the river. It is one of the few French appellations to allow onlya single white grape variety: Viognier. The soils are primarily granitic and schist, conducive to aromatic concentration due to their good drainage and low organic matter content. The wines produced here are exclusively dry, recognizable by their floral and fruity profile, their enveloping texture, and their excellent aging potential.

André Perret’s Chéry stands among the appellation’s iconic wines. While some Condrieu wines emphasize aromatic exuberance, this one prioritizes balance and the tension imparted by the granite, faithfully reflecting the terroir of Vérin.