The Guigal Estate was founded in 1946 by Etienne Guigal in Ampuis, a small ancient village and cradle of the Cote-Rotie appellation. It shelters a unique vineyard where the vines and the wines have been famous for 2,400 years. Arriving in the region in 1924 at the age of 14, Etienne began his career at Vidal-Fleury, participating in its development and working his way up to the position of cellar-master before leaving to establish his own company. He has vinified 67 harvests in Cote-Rotie.

In 1961, although still very young, Marcel Guigal took over management of the establishment from his father who was stricken suddenly with total blindness. In 1973, his wife Bernadette joined him and they worked together to develop the family business. In 1975, their son Philippe was born and is today the estate’s winemaker. With his wife Eve, he represents the third generation to continue the family business, in the service of the great wines of the Rhone Valley.

Their hard work and perseverance enabled them to purchase the Vidal-Fleury Establishment in the mid ‘80s and in 1995, they acquired the famous Chateau d’Ampuis, an ancient fort built in the 12th century, later repurposed into a Renaissance chateau during the 16th century. In a state of neglect and terrible disrepair, Guigal has taken on a colossal renovation, spanning nearly 11 years with over 100 people working on the project.

The Chateau d’Ampuis has become the headquarters of the Guigal Estate while the offices and the cellars remain in the ancient small village of Ampuis. While their vineyards span the length and breadth of what the Rhone Valley offers, the heart of the winery’s production is still Cote-Rotie, whose ultimate expression can be found in Guigal’s most famous releases: La Landonne, La Turque, and La Mouline.

The Condrieu appellation covers about 150 hectares. La Doriane is the crown jewel in Guigal’s holdings in the Condrieu appellation, a region encompassing about 150 hectares of the northern Rhone and known for its stunning whites, particularly Viognier.

Overhanging the right bank of the Rhone, the steep, terraced La Doriane vineyard is planted exclusively with Viognier. Soils are primarily granitic, but include some shale and silicon limestone. The average vine age is 35 years.

Guigal’s La Doriane Condrieu is fermented and aged in new French oak barrels. It undergoes complete malolactic fermentation and ages for nine months.

The 2019 Guigal Condrieu la Doriane is a captivating white wine that showcases the exceptional quality and character of Viognier from the Northern Rhone region of France. With its elegant label and enticing appearance, this wine immediately captures the attention of wine enthusiasts.

In the glass, the wine displays a beautiful golden hue with hints of green, indicating its youthful nature. The aromatics are simply mesmerizing, offering a bouquet of apricot, ripe pineapple, honeyed marmalade, and delicate floral notes. These aromas are further complemented by subtle hints of cream, creating a captivating olfactory experience.

On the palate, the wine reveals its true excellence. It is full-bodied and complex, with a remarkable balance between power and freshness. The apricot and pineapple flavors take center stage, enveloping the palate with their richness and intensity. The wine's creamy texture adds depth and a luxurious mouthfeel, while vibrant acidity provides a refreshing lift.

The 2019 Guigal Condrieu la Doriane has received high praise from esteemed wine critics. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it an outstanding score of 98 points, comparing it to the exceptional 2015 vintage. He emphasizes its complexity, full-bodied nature, and fabulous finish. Decanter also recognizes the wine's vibrancy and freshness, applauding its intense flavors and opulent style, while Robert Parker's Wine Advocate highlights its balance, structure, and potential for aging.

This wine is a true expression of the Condrieu appellation and the artistry of Guigal. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now, with its already impressive complexity, or cellared for further development. Pair it with rich seafood dishes, creamy poultry, or soft cheeses to fully appreciate its opulence and finesse. The 2019 Guigal Condrieu la Doriane is an exquisite white wine that exemplifies the heights Viognier can reach in the hands of a skilled producer.