Domaine François Merlin
2012 Condrieu Terroirs
This classic Condrieu, assembled from several Viognier vines, bears the trademark of François Merlin’s taste: not too cloying and sweet, with vivacity and minerality.
The nose on this wine is very intense. I want to wear this as perfume! It smells rich, seductive and a tiny bit sweet (lots of ripe apricot) but the mouthfeel is anything but. Very rich and dense, with a dry finish. If you want to impress your friends during the next wine-and-cheese party, bring this bottle with a good camembert.
Food pairing: Stinky French cheese, camembert
A pretty, medium gold color. A glassful of exuberance—the nose overflowing with butterscotch, peaches, white flowers, and apricots. Intense and buttery on the palate, yet restrained at the same time. Rich but dry. Opulent but understated. A little earthy as well. Not as expansive on the palate as on the nose, but still seductive. Enjoy now.
Food pairing: Apéritif; light herb-scented dishes, including pastas with fresh peas, beans or other legumes; rich fish or shellfish dishes, including scallops and lobster dishes; roasted root vegetables; Condrieu often pairs surprisingly well with mild curry dishes
The Creator of This Wine
Domaine François Merlin
Heir not to a winemaker but to a chemical engineer, François Merlin studied agriculture and learned the work of the vines in the vineyards of René Rostaing. He planted his first vineyard -- in Condrieu -- in 1987, started making his own wines in 1999, and quickly became one of the “top names” in Condrieu (according to Rhône expert Livingstone-Learmonth). His son Laurent joined him in 2013.
| Producer: | Domaine François Merlin |
| Region: | Rhone |
| Year: | 2012 |
| Maturity: | 2015-2020 |
| Alcohol: | 13.7% |
| Bottle size: | 750ml |
| Color: | White |
| Varietal: | Viognier |
| Flavors: | Musk, Apricot, Almond |
| Body: | Light-Medium |
| Soul: | Intense |
