Grapes stolen from Guigal

Around a third of the grapes destined for Guigal’s rare Condrieu wine “Luminescence” have been stolen, it has been reported

This year is destined to be the first vintage of the late harvest “Luminesence” cuvée since 2003, but will be produced in substantially reduced quantities after it was discovered that a third of the Viognier earmarked for the cuvée had already been picked.

A late harvest Viognier from the “La Doriane” vineyard (pictured) owned by the Guigal family in Condrieu, Luminesence has only been made twice before.

The theft was discovered on Friday morning. 850 vines had been harvested, leading to the equivalent loss of roughly 1,000 half bottles.

With each half bottle selling for €40, the loss is therefore equal to around €40,000.

Speaking to the drinks business, Philippe Guigal called the discovery “upsetting” and a “very bad surprise” but has said that the cuvée will still be made with the remaining grapes, which are in “perfect condition”.

However, he added he was more upset by the loss of the wines than by the financial loss.

“The worst is not the money,” he said, “but because it is an outstanding vintage. 2015 will be a legendary vintage in the Northern Rhône and I will miss the wines more than the value.”