Cuilleron Côte-Rôtie Lieu-Dit La Vialliere
WHY WE LOVE IT
- On Vérenay’s commune, there is the plot called “La Viallière.” This is a beautiful hillside with a southern exposure which helps preserve the freshness of some of the old vineyards. The soil is primarily schists typical of the north of this AOC area.
- Organic, Eco-friendly farming. No insecticides are used.
Varietal Composition: 100% Syrah
Elaboration: The vines are planted in high-density (8,000-10,000 vines per hectare). No insecticides or pesticides are used along with few treatments (depending on weather). A small amount of organic-only fertilizer may be applied with respect to soil and vine balance. Precise control of vigor and yields is maintained through leaf stripping and green harvesting for better grape maturation.
The grapes are hand-picked, then sorted, crushed and partially destemmed in the cellar. Fermentation with native yeasts is in open, temperature-controlled vats for about three weeks with regular cap-punching and pumping-over. Malolactic-fermentation is in barriques. Maturation of 18 months in barriques.
Tasting Notes: Elegant and subtle palate. Nice and fresh attack with fine tannins. Rare length and balanced on lightness.
PRESS
2022 – 93-95 Jeb Dunnuck | 91-93 Vinous
2021 – 90 Jeb Dunnuck
2020 – 98 Vinous
2019 – 97 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.