Cuilleron Condrieu La Petite Cote
WHY WE LOVE IT
- “La Petite Côte” is not a district but a cuvée name.
Varietal Composition: 100% Viognier
Elaboration: The viognier grapes are grown on south/southeast-facing vines in terraces overlooking the village of Chavanay. The soil is muscovite-rich granite supporting high-density planting (8,000-10,000 vines per hectare). No insecticides or pesticides, and few treatments (depending on weather) are necessary. Only a small amount of purely organic fertilizer is used with respect of soil and vine balance. Precise control of vigor and yields is maintained through leaf stripping and a green harvest for better grape maturation.
The grapes are hand-picked and sorted, then pressed and left to settle. Alcoholic-fermentation occurs in barriques with no racking and regular stirring. Malolactic fermentation is also done in barriques with native yeasts. This wine matures in nine months in barriques, on the lees, with no racking, but regular stirring.
Tasting Notes: An expressive and seductive wine. The nose evokes a basket of fruits gilded by the sun, apricot, quince, peach and citrus fruits. Some sweet notes of flowers (lilac, rose and violet) and honey make the whole set even more charming. The mouth is gourmand and fresh, a beautiful spicy power and a bitterness thirst quenches the final reflecting us the image of this vintage.
PRESS
2022 – 94 Jeb Dunnuck | 91 Vinous
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Cuilleron Estates is a producer in the northern Rhône. The estate has been in the Cuilleron family for three generations, but it is the estate’s current owner and winemaker, Yves Cuilleron, who has expanded the size, scope, and scale of the vineyard, land holdings, and winery.