Description
Yves Cuilleron took over the reins as the 4th generation vigneron in 1987. He is based in Chavanay, just south of Condrieu. Yves is a totally driven man with a growing family and a part share with other top growers in vineyards on the eastern side of the Rhône. He has around 75 hectares split as follows; 8 ha Côte-Rôtie, 12 ha Condrieu, 7 ha white Saint-Joseph, 20 ha red Saint-Joseph, 1 ha white CrozesHermitage, 3 ha red Crozes-Hermitage, 3 ha Saint-Péray, 1.5 ha Cornas, 19.5 ha IGP (PGI). He also has a fantastic new cellar, purposebuilt and temperature controlled.
Vineyard
High-density planting (8,000-10,000 vines per hectares) on granitic and alluvium soil. Natural cover cropping to avoid erosion. Treatments are limited as much as possible depending on the weather, no pesticides to preserve biodiversity, only organic fertilisers. Control of vigour and yield by leaf stripping, debudding in spring and green harvesting for better ripening of the grapes.
Vinification
A single plot cuvée. The grapes are picked when fully ripe and handsorted. After pressing, minimum intervention during vinification (indigenous yeasts) then malolactic fermented in barrels and big casks with temperatures controlled. Maturing : 6-7 months on lees in barrel and cask.
Style
Typical Viognier nose with ripe yellow fruits (apricot, nectarine) and a touch of violet. Juicy and fresh on the palate with a tangy finish.
