2023 Les Vignes d’à Côté Syrah

he Cuilleron estate, located in Verlieu, a hamlet of Chavanay just south of Condrieu, is one of the benchmark producers of the Rhone. Proprietor Yves Cuilleron makes an assortment of wines from multiple appellations, including Condrieu, Saint Péray, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint Joseph, Cote Rotie, and a range of terrific varietally labelled Vin de Pays from the Collines Rhodaniennes.

First founded in 1920, Yves Cuilleron’s grandfather began bottling his own wine in 1947. Yves’ uncle Antoine ran the winery from 1960 to 1987 and acquired eight hectares of vineyards in the Condrieu appellation, making them one of the more significant estates in the area. Yves took over the family domaine in 1987, added vineyards, and built a new winery and aging facility.

• Soil: Sourced from granitic and alluvial soils around Chavanay, which give the wine its signature mineral touch.
• Winemaking: Fermented with native yeasts and aged for roughly 7–8 months. Cuilleron uses a 50/50 split of stainless steel tanks and older oak barrels to preserve fresh fruit without overpowering the wine with oak flavors. 

• Aroma: Expressive and floral, bursting with wild blackberries, red currants, crushed violets, cracked black pepper, and subtle hints of woodsmoke or savory tapenade.
• Palate: Medium-bodied, juicy, and very fluid. It balances bright, forward fruit with lively acidity and fine, silky tannins.
• Finish: Clean, fresh, and mineral-driven.

• When to drink: This wine is designed for "pleasure and indulgence" in its youth. It is best enjoyed fresh, either immediately or within 3 to 4 years of its vintage date. 
• Food pairings: It pairs perfectly with classic bistro food, such as charcuterie boards, grilled steaks, lamb chops, barbecue, or mushroom-based dishes

Year: 2023

Origin: Northern Rhône Valley, France 

Varietal: 100% Syrah