Clos Boucher is a parcel that has always belonged to the Delas family, on which the Maison has developed a unique style: precise, taut, and free of excess. The vineyard covers 2.5 hectares, divided among three exposures and three complementary geological formations: to the south, a massive, undecomposed granite; to the east, schist mixed with deep loess; and at the bottom of the slope, clay that softens the wine’s texture. This diversity of soils generates a rare complexity in the wine, defined by a constant tension between finesse, depth, and verticality.

Clos Boucher seeks to move away from the sometimes exuberant varietal expression of the grape, giving it notes of sweet spices rather than apricot, and offering greater depth and longevity. The granite soil imparts a mineral character to the wine. The aim is tension and elegance, shaping a gastronomic wine with fine ageing potential derived from its freshness and barrel fermentation.

The Viognier is harvested by hand at perfect maturity. The grapes are not destemmed before pressing, allowing for a more delicate and precise extraction. Ageing takes place on the lees for 12 months in barrels, with regular bâtonnage until Christmas to enrich the wine’s texture and prevent any reduction. Working the lees is central to the making of Clos Boucher, bringing width and richness. After racking, the wines are blended and kept in stainless steel tanks for an additional 6 months on fine lees before bottling.

Clos Boucher is a Condrieu of contrasts: ample without heaviness, generous without exuberance, and precise in its aromatic profile. It offers a refined interpretation of Viognier, where white flowers, white pepper, warm stone, and yellow fruits echo one another within a sober, distinguished register.

Despite a rather rainy end to 2022, the beginning of 2023 was exceptionally dry in the north until the first half of spring. Budbreak at the end of March was highly synchronised for Syrah, occurring between March 28 and April 5. Conversely, the second half of spring was very rainy, with the absence of the Mistral from late April onward, though fortunately there were several beautiful days around flowering, between May 27 and June 8, which accelerated the vegetative cycle. In Condrieu, the August heatwave was tempered by a few welcome showers, limiting ripening blockages.

This wine pairs well with lightly seared white fish, chicken in cream sauce, saffron risotto, and soft cheeses.