Julien Pilon crafted his first vintage in his parents' garage, a space that decades earlier had housed his maternal grandfather's limonadier business. His 'Mon Grand-père était Limonadier' Viognier reflects the same blend of heritage and precision, made from 100% Viognier sourced from four parcels on plateaus overlooking the northern Rhône Valley. Situated at an altitude of 300 meters, these vineyards benefit from cooler exposure compared to neighboring appellations like Condrieu and Saint-Joseph, preserving freshness in the wines.
The vineyards feature granite-based, sandy soils, and the grapes are hand-harvested and vinified separately. Following pressing and strict clarification, fermentation occurs slowly at low temperatures, with complete malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged for 10 months on lees in used barrels of 225L and 400L. This Viognier showcases classic Rhône Valley aromas of citrus and apricot, with a palate that is fresh, balanced, and approachable.
Julien Pilon 'Mon Grand-père était Limonadier' Viognier 2023
Julien Pilon's journey into winemaking was shaped early on through formative experiences such as picking and bottling wild grapes in school, family meals centered around wine, and summer work in vineyards. His fascination with the energy, innovation, and quality of Rhône Valley winemakers solidified his passion. After earning a BTS in Viticulture and Oenology, Pilon trained under esteemed winemakers like Yves Cuilleron and gained diverse experience at Mas Amiel in Roussillon and Terra Remota in Spain. Returning to the Rhône Valley, he collaborated with Pierre Gaillard, whose wife had inspired Pilon's initial interest in winemaking.
In 2010, Pilon produced his first vintage in his parents' garage, emphasizing wines that reflect their terroir with both finesse and concentration. Challenges in acquiring vineyards led him to establish a négociant business, sourcing grapes from northern Rhône appellations. By 2011, he secured vines with the help of Patrice Porte in Condrieu, enabling him to expand his operation. Over the next decade, Pilon built a dedicated team and, in 2020, inaugurated a new winery in Chavanay, cementing his commitment to crafting wines that honor their land and identity.
The Northern Rhône wine region, located along the Rhône River in southeastern France, is renowned for its steep, terraced vineyards and exceptional wines. Spanning from Vienne to Valence, it is smaller than the Southern Rhône but highly regarded for its unique terroirs and iconic appellations. The region’s reds are predominantly made from Syrah, producing powerful yet elegant wines with flavors of dark fruit, pepper, and earthy notes. Notable red wine appellations include Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Cornas.
The Northern Rhône is also celebrated for its white wines, crafted from Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. Appellations like Condrieu and Hermitage produce distinctive whites that range from aromatic and fresh to rich and age-worthy. The granite and schist soils, combined with a cooler climate and diverse exposures, contribute to the region’s complexity and finesse, making it a cornerstone of Rhône Valley winemaking.
Hermitage is equally famous for its exceptional white wines, crafted from Marsanne and Roussanne. These whites are known for their richness, complexity, and ability to age gracefully, often developing honeyed and nutty notes with time. With a long history of winemaking dating back to ancient times, Hermitage represents the pinnacle of Rhône Valley viticulture, producing both red and white wines that are highly sought after for their elegance and depth.
