Cuilleron Estate Chatus “Anciens Cépages”

WHY WE LOVE IT

• Chatus is part of the long-anticipated release of Yves Cuilleron’s “Anciens Cépages” project, the masterwork of a genius who woke up several decades ago with intellectual questions about the character of six forgotten varietals, some of which were later evolved to build the Northern Rhone’s vinous landscape as we know it.
• Chatus is for people who seek high acid in their Northern Rhone reds, because it throws acid in spades! Just know what you are getting into here!
• Before the Phylloxera epidemic in France, this varietal was widely planted in the Ardeche, North Drôme, and in the hills of Tain.
• Add a wall of tannins to the above mentioned singe of acid, and you have a darkish-colored-for-category, experimental red that should be great in 15 years. The optimum drinking period is between 8 and 10 years.
• Serve at a temperature of 16 / 18 ° C.

Varietal Composition: 100% Chatus

Elaboration: Naturel cover cropping to avoid erosion. No insecticides with respect of soil and vine balance, few treatments (depending on weather and the necessary) and small amount of organic fertilizer. Vigour and yield control, leaf-thinning and green harvesting to promote grape ripening. Disbudding on the spring.

Lot harvest and vinification. The grapes are handpicked; and then sorted, crushed and partial destemmed in the cellar. Fermented in open top, temperature-controlled vats for about 3 weeks, with regular cap-punching and pumping-over. Alcoholic fermentation in vats with native yeasts and malolactic fermentation in barrels. Matured 18 months in barrels.

Tasting Notes: Rustic wine. Black fruits notes with spiciness. The mouth has a good depth, the texture is elegant. Rich, powerful and fruity.

PRESS

2020 – 90 Vinous

PRODUCER BACKGROUND