Description
Yves Cuilleron is a superstar of the Northern Rhône” thewinedoctor.com
“Yves Cuilleron has become one of the bright shining stars of the northern Rhone” Robert Parker
“In the space of a decade, Yves Cuilleron has established himself as one of the leading lights of France’s Northern Rhone…He is a modernist but not overtly so his wines straddle neatly the divide between traditionalists and the new-wave, in the sense that they retain their sense of place, but express their site in a slightly more approachable, immediate way. There’s purity to the fruit, and where new oak is used it isn’t excessive.” Wineanorack.com
In 1987 Yves took over his family wine estate (after 4 generations) located in Verlieu (in the town of Chavanay) and since that time he has built an entirely new winery. He has acquired additional vineyards (domaine is now 52 hectares) that cover appellations, including Saint Joseph, Cote Rotie, Cornas, Condrieu, Saint Péray and a series of Vin de Pays from the Collines Rhodaniennes. His philosophy in the vineyard is simple and very much a sustainable approach, no insecticides/pesticides only organic ones, majority is high density planted (competition between vines enhances fruit quality), handpicked fruit (much of vineyard is on terraces). Similarly in the winery a natural approach: wild yeasts, no additions, open fermenters (temperature controlled), maturation in french oak barriques and foudres (his wines are more about purity of fruit and he goes easy on the oak).
La Petite Cote means The Little Coast.
About this wine from the winery: 100% Viognier Blend of plots located in the center of the appellation on muscovite granite. 9 months of aging in barrels and foudres. The color is rich and bright. The nose is complex and intense, with aromas of fresh apricot and quince. Floral notes of violet complete the nose. The palate is delicious and fresh with plenty of richness. Beautiful bitters give the wine great length on the palate. Wine to be enjoyed with the youth of the fruit. Enjoy as an aperitif with foie gras, salmon, and cured ham toast. Alc. 13.5% vol.
95 points, Matt Walls, Decanter Magazine “Lemon verbena, tarragon and apricot – this is not as ripe as other Condrieu, and the acidity is slightly higher. Rich in body, with an opulent mouthfeel and some welcome tension, this makes for an intense style of Condrieu; it’s dry, with a saline edge. From parcels on muscovite granite in Chavanay, aged in barriques and foudres. Drink 2024-2027”
RRP $151 Our Special Price $124,99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine
