Every spring, Lyon becomes the world stage where wines, beers, and spirits are celebrated. The Lyon International Competition, renowned for its seriousness and rigor, brings together more than 11,000 products from 40 countries.
Tasted blind by a demanding jury composed of oenologists, sommeliers, wine merchants, restaurateurs, but also knowledgeable amateurs , the products are judged according to precise criteria:
- The visual aspect (dress)
- The nose (intensity, quality)
- The mouth (intensity, balance, persistence)
- The product's typical characteristics
Three levels of medals are awarded: gold, silver, and bronze, exclusively to products achieving a specific minimum score. Each decision results from a consensus among the tasters, and the results are validated by an independent organizing committee.
It is in this prestigious setting that our 2021 vintage Viognier 812 has managed to stand out.
A Gold Medal for a Unique Signature
In 2025, out of 5333 wines tasted, our Viognier 812 stood out with a remarkable score of 87/100, well above the competition average of 80.73. Only 11 wines in our category received gold—and we are proud to be the only ones to present a 100% Viognier.
Winning gold in Lyon is not simply an honor: “it is a recognition of our passion, our know-how, and the unique character of our terroir,” emphasizes Grégoire Saint Olive, co-founder of Chai Saint Olive.
Our 2021 vintage Viognier 812 white wine stands out as a true benchmark, and embodies our vision of French wines, combining tradition and innovation.
Image of bâtonnage in a barrel
Viognier 812: When Nature Meets Craftsmanship
Born on the hills above Sarras, on a plateau overlooking the Rhône, our Viognier 812 Chai Saint Olive benefits from an exceptional terroir. The 2021 vintage, marked by a welcome freshness, has produced ripe yet balanced grapes.
Each grape cluster is meticulously handled. Vinified entirely in oak barrels (228L and 400L, 15% of which are new) in our urban winery, the Viognier 812 is aged for 12 months with topping up and lees stirring as needed. This care at every stage gives our cuvée a finesse and roundness on the palate, while preserving a vibrant freshness.
A picture of the award-winning Viognier displayed in the winery (not just a photo of the bottle), perhaps with a glass and some white wine in it? I'll let you be creative.
Tips for Appreciating Viognier 812
To discover all the subtlety of Viognier 812, serve this Viognier white wine between 10 and 12°C in a wide white wine glass.
Its golden color, its aromas of stone fruit and its balanced palate
will complement perfectly:
- Grilled fish
- Creamy white meats
- Soft, ripened cheeses
Chai Saint Olive: Demanding Expertise
At Chai Saint Olive, the love of wine goes hand in hand with respect for the terroir and a commitment to quality. Each of our wines tells a story, that of a passion passed down from vine to bottle.
To discover our wine world and in particular our gold medal-winning Viognier 812, a true ambassador of our know-how, explore our online shop or visit us at our production site at 34 rue Malesherbes, Lyon 6th.
In summary, regarding the Viognier Gold Medal 812
Receiving the gold medal at the 2025 Lyon International Competition for our Viognier 812 is much more than a reward, it embodies the commitment of Chai Saint Olive: a subtle alliance between authenticity of the terroir, demanding winemaking and passion for wine.
Each sip tells the story of a carefully crafted vintage, nurtured with respect to reveal the full richness of our expertise.
To discover this gold medal-winning Viognier 812 wine, treat yourself to a tasting at the Chai or purchase it from our online store chaisaintolive.com/boutique.
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