Château Grillet

Château Grillet is one of France’s smallest and most distinctive appellations, with a single estate holding the entire AOC. Perched on steep terraces above the Rhône, its south-facing vineyard produces Viognier with natural concentration and drive. Under the ownership of François Pinault’s Artémis Domaines since 2011, the estate has undergone a quiet transformation, focusing on precision in the vineyard and cellar. The fruit is hand-picked, pressed gently, and fermented in oak barrels and large foudres. Lees ageing adds depth and texture. Each vintage shows tightly wound citrus, white stone fruit, and a savoury edge—more restrained than most Viognier, with freshness and length that reward time in the bottle. Volumes are small, and allocations are tight. For those looking to understand what Viognier can achieve when grown on the right site and handled with care, Château Grillet stands as a reference point in the Northern Rhône.