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The 1990 M. Chapoutier Condrieu hails from an exceptional vintage in the Rhône Valley, particularly for white wines like Condrieu, which performed very well. The year 1990 was one of the best vintages of the 20th century in France, characterized by excellent climatic conditions with a hot, dry summer and a cool, sunny autumn, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and develop complex aromas. This Condrieu, made from 100% Viognier, typically presents a deep gold color with golden-yellow and green highlights. The nose is very fruity, with exotic fruit notes like pineapple and lychee, alongside acacia blossom, apricot, and peach. The palate is round, full, and boasts good length with a vanilla finish, often showing notes of white peaches and candied fruit with a nice taut acidity. It's known for its aromatic power and great complexity, with freshness and minerality derived from its schist and altered granite soils. 【An exceptional Condrieu from a benchmark Rhône vintage】. Given its age, this 1990 Condrieu should be approached with care. Older corks can be fragile, so a Durand opener or similar tool is recommended. While white wines from 1990 Burgundy were generally advised to be drunk up, the exceptional late harvests in Condrieu produced wines with beautiful minerality, complexity, and good acidity for aging. Decanting is generally not recommended for older white wines, but a brief aeration in the glass can be beneficial. Serve chilled, but not overly cold, around 10-12°C (50-54°F) to allow its mature aromatics to shine. This wine is a superb match for seafood of all types, white meats, sautéed vegetables, creamy pastas, and a variety of cheeses. Specific suggestions include seared scallops with lemon butter sauce, chicken tagine with apricots and almonds, or goat cheese salad with honey and walnuts.
Food pairing suggestions (East/West matching wine tier):
East: Steamed fish with ginger and spring onion, Cantonese roast chicken, Crab vermicelli.
West: Seared scallops, Lobster bisque, Roast chicken with herbs, Creamy mushroom pasta, Goat cheese salad.
Event suggestions:
An elegant dinner party, a special anniversary celebration, or a sophisticated tasting focused on aged white Rhône wines.