2023 Les Vignes d’à Côte Viognier Yves Cuilleron

The Cuilleron estate, located in Verlieu, a hamlet of Chavanay just south of Condrieu, is one of the benchmark producers of the Rhone. Proprietor Yves Cuilleron makes an assortment of wines from multiple appellations, including Condrieu, Saint Péray, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint Joseph, Cote Rotie, and a range of terrific varietally labelled Vin de Pays from the Collines Rhodaniennes.

First founded in 1920, Yves Cuilleron’s grandfather began bottling his own wine in 1947. Yves’ uncle Antoine ran the winery from 1960 to 1987 and acquired eight hectares of vineyards in the Condrieu appellation, making them one of the more significant estates in the area. Yves took over the family domaine in 1987, added vineyards, and built a new winery and aging facility.

The Viognier Vignes d’à Coté, meaning “nearby vines” is from vineyards of granite and alluvial soils located in the commune of Chavanay, which is close to the Condrieu appellation. The vineyard is sustainable with a natural cover crop to avoid erosion. This 100% Viognier sees a total of six to seven months in oak of varying sizes and ages.

This is an excellent introduction to Viognier with the tell-tale aromas of apricot, nectarine and floral honeysuckle on the nose. The palate is fleshy and ripe, with excellent acidity due to the low pH of the granitic base soils. This is simply a delicious, mouth-watering Viognier from one of the top producers in the Rhone.

Year: 2023

Origin: France 

Varietal: 100% Viognier