Just south of Cote Rotie sits Condrieu. This region is currently planted to 250 acres of Viognier. DNA profiling has revealed that Viognier is a cousin with Nebbiolo and that the grape has been cultivated in this northern Rhone region since introduced by Roman Empire two centuries ago. Until fairly recently, the wines, while highly regarded, were rarely found outside of France. At the end of the 1960s, only 35 acres were planted. The limited plantings, combined with the grape's susceptibility to disease and poor fruit set made for extremely small production. However, world-wide interest beginning in the 1970s created forced an increase in vineyard plantings.
The area is defined by steeply sloped vineyards planted in chalky, nutrient depleted soils. The south facing exposure helps with ripening and protects the vines from the windy conditions in the area.
The wines of the Condrieu seem to show best when consumed young.