Cuilleron Estate Durif “Anciens Cépages”

WHY WE LOVE IT

• Durif 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.
• Durif is the varietal that is also known as Petit Sirah.
• Early wine growers planted Durif mistakenly in California as Syrah (they made a mistake when selecting their cuttings).
• There used to be a ton of Durif in Cote Rotie, Saint Joseph, and Crozes Hermitage in the late 18th century. Initially, there were 500 hectares of productive Durif planted in the Northern Rhone in 1880. Today, you’ll find just 2 hectares, most of which is used for today’s wine!
• Serve at 16 / 18 ° C.

• Best drunk young, up to 5-7 years.

Varietal Composition: Durif

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.

Plot harvest and vinification. The grapes ar e 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. Maturing 18 months in barrel.

Tasting Notes: Rustic wine. Deep and complex black fruit nose. The mouth has a good depth, the texture is elegant. Rich powerful and fruity.

PRESS

2020 – 91 Vinous

PRODUCER BACKGROUND