Cuilleron Saint Joseph Lombard Blanc
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The name of the cuvée refers to the hamlet of “Bois Lombard” above the plots of vines.
Varietal Composition: 100% Marsanne
Elaboration: A selection of old vines exposed East/South-East and located on the hillside of Verlieu where the soil is sandy and granite. The vines are planted in high in high density (8,000-10,000 vines per ha). Natural grass helps fight against erosion. Treatments are limited depending on the weather with no insecticides, little fertilizer, and organic practices to preserve biodiversity. Precise control of vigor and yields is maintained through leaf stripping and a green harvest for better grape maturation. Disbudding occurs in spring.
Harvesting is manual and traditional vinification mandates the least possible use of oenological products (indigenous yeasts), malolactic fermentation, and 50 percent aging in wooden casks of 30 hectoliters and 50 percent in Burgundy barrels without racking and eight months on lees and regular stirring. Blending of the different plots occurs before bottling.
Tasting Notes: Nose of great aromatic finesse with notes of white flowers, dried berries and roasting. Round and fleshy palate, lovely freshness and spicy bitterness lengthens the finish.
PRESS
2022 – 92 Vinous | 92 Jeb Dunnuck
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.