The Viognier grape became famous for its use in Condrieu! Is this a baby Condrieu? Yes, you could certainly say so. It all begins with the rich history of Domaine Yves Cuilleron, which dates back to 1920. Yves's grandfather founded this winery. He had virtually no experience, except for drinking wine. But soon, the whole world was turned upside down, because he simply had a knack for winemaking. He made the most beautiful wines and managed to give the Rhone wine region a new dimension. Over the years, significant investments were made in various areas, further enhancing the quality. But the Domaine Yves Cuilleron winery made its big breakthrough in 1987 when the new generation of the family took over. Yves, named after his grandfather, gave the winery a modern touch, and this has been perfectly executed. Wines after our hearts, embodied in the combination of nature and grape.
Wood aging for the Cuilleron Viognier
The very old vineyard, filled with Viognier grapes, is located in the village of Chavanay and is known for its granite-rich soil. Viognier grapes love this soil, which allows the clusters to grow optimally. The entire harvest is carried out with the utmost respect for nature, as is the philosophy of Domaine Yves Cuilleron. "You should be able to feel, smell, and taste the grapes," explains Yves Cuilleron. After a long maturation period in the best climate, the harvest is partially hand-harvested in the early morning. Subsequently, a third of the wine is aged in oak barrels. The wine matures on the lees, making it full-bodied and powerful—what a joy to drink. Because, well, there simply aren't many bottles of this baby Condrieu.
What does Domaine Yves Cuilleron Viognier taste like?
Opening the beautiful bottle is a treat in itself; its slender shape is inviting. Once the bottle is opened, we smell hints of ripe yellow fruit with hints of violets. When pouring, we recommend using a large glass to release all the aromas. The golden yellow color captivates our senses. Nosing the glass, we noted nuances of apricots, peaches, a hint of vanilla, and blossom. The taste is truly fantastic with a capital "Fantastic." Rich, full, and deep flavors of yellow fruit, vanilla, a touch of green, and a dose of spice!