Condrieu Les Chaillets Yves Cuilleron 2021

Description

Yves Cuilleron, is described by Wine Spectator as "the leader of Condrieu's new generation of winemakers." Yves represents the 4th generation of Cuilleron vignerons although he initially trained as an engineer. The lure of the vine proved too hard to resist and after a year's training at the Ecole Viticole in Macon he took over the vineyards in 1987.

Since then he has built an entirely new winery at Chavany facility while at the same time he acquired additional vineyard property. The domaine now produces about 50,000 bottles annually divided between the appellations of St. Joseph Blanc, St. Joseph Rouge, Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu. Most of the vineyards are situated in and around the commune of Chavanay which is just south of the town of Condrieu.

Sourced from the best and oldest vines on the estate, on south/southeast-facing terraces overlooking Chavanay. “Les Chaillets” is not a district but the local name for terraces.

High-density planting (8,000-10,000 vines per hectare). No insecticides or pesticides, few treatments (depending on weather), small amount of organic-only fertiliser, with respect of soil and vine balance. Vigour and yield control, leaf-thinning and green harvesting to promote grape maturation. The grapes are picked when fully ripe and handsorted. After pressing, they are alcoholic and malolactic fermented in barriques with native yeasts. Followed by 9 months in barriques, on the lees, no racking, regular stirring.

A rich, refined and complex wine. A nose of dried yellow stone fruits, violets and honey. Harmonious, well-bred style on the palate, with good volume. A pure long finish, underlaid by the terroir’s minerality.