Re: Viogner from Languedoc?

There are some very decent Viogniers coming out of the Midi, though not in my experience anything terribly reminiscent of Condrieu. However, you might try the Viognier from Ch. Campuget in the Costieres de Nimes, which is widely available for about US $10.

HTH Mark Lipton

Jim, Cuilleron makes some of the finest Condrieus money can buy (OK, Mike, perhaps Villard trumps that, but...). With few exceptions, you won't find that same quality outside of Condrieu. But, to return to the topic, the mouth of the Rhone finds you in the Camargue, an area not fit for viticulture. However, the "Bouche du Rhone" region is the Gard aka the Costieres de Nimes. In my other post, you'll see my endorsement of a Viognier from there...

Mark Lipton

Actually, to go off topic again, they actually *do* grow grapes in the Camargue. This is the "Vin de Sables" (wine of the sands) appellation just outside the walled town of Aigue Mortes. I have never seen a bottle in the US mind you, but tried a bottle while I was there. It is generally a white or light rose and not exceptional, but quite refreshing after a day of cycling I thought. The big producer here is Listel...

As for Rhone Viognier, I have had a Chateau de Trignon Cote du Rhone "Viognier" which is OK but not great for about 15 dollars. I will also definately second the motion on the Gauphine that the earlier poster mentioned...

Michael Leduc

Truer words have never been spoke--especially when it comes to that area. We rode from Avignon to Carcassonne and at times it seemed as though vines were planted in every possible square foot of the Languedoc, but you know...it might have been the heat...

ML