Cuilleron Estate Petite Serine “Anciens Cépages”

WHY WE LOVE IT

• Petite Serine 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.Petite Sirene is the historical predecessor to today’s Syrah, and is a cross of Mondeuse Blanche and the Dureza.
• It is much less productive than today’s Syrah, and is as sensitive as Pinot Noir in the vineyards in terms of challenging conditions.
• Petite Sirene’s small berries produce elegant wines with a cherry element that you don’t see in today’s clones of Syrah.
• Serve at 16-18 ° C. Best to drink young, up to 3-5 years.

Varietal Composition: 100% Petite Serine

Elaboration: Natural 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.

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: Atypical nose of black fruits, notably blackberry, notes of leather and animals. A beautiful power with developed tannins. A rich, complex and powerful wine.

PRESS

2020 – 92 Vinous

PRODUCER BACKGROUND