Cuilleron Estate Dureza “Anciens Cépages”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Durenza 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.
- Yves took massal selections of six nearly-extinct native varietals that were once common in the surrounding hills, planted them, and began producing micro ferments as a way to explore the historic DNA of Cote Rotie, Condrieu, Cornas, and Champagne.
- You can think of the Dureza in this set the way you think of the College Football Rose Bowl Game – The granddaddy that started it all! Yes – Dureza, originally from Ardeche, was crossed with Mondeuse Blanche to create Petite Serine, which after more selection evolved to become the Syrah used in Cote Rotie as you know it.
- As you might expect, Dureza is much tighter than Petite Serine (the Mondeuse really opened things up after the breeding), and its large, plump berries are tragically sensitive to mildew. If one has unlimited acreage and unlimited budget so as not to be concerned for mildew loss, this is an interesting varietal in a global warming era with its tight palate structure in today’s “normal” years.
Varietal Composition: Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche
Elaboration:
Tasting Notes: Aromas include spicy notes, blackberry and Morello cherry. Durenza is a vibrant wine displaying good acidity on the palate and offers a well-balanced flavor profile.
PRESS
n/a
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.