Lot presentation

Cornas Les Côtes Yves Cuilleron (Domaine) 2018

The wine

Les Côtes is a lieu-dit in the south of the commune of Cornas. The very old Syrah vines were planted in 1911, and are sustainably cultivated. The grapes are harvested by hand, and are sorted before crushing and partial destemming. They are vatted for approximately 3 weeks, with rigorous temperature control. Regular punch-downs and pump-overs precede malolactic fermentation in barrique barrels and the wine's 18-month maturation in barrique barrels. Yves Cuilleron has produced a wine for keeping which is a little austere and hard in its youth. After a few years, it is remarkably intense. It has attractive notes of sun-kissed black berries and spices and a bouquet of aromatic herbs and black olives. The fleshy, velvety palate has tannins that mellow with time, as well as an attractive balance as a result of the minerality of the terroir. Note that this cuvée replaces "Les Vires", which was produced exclusively using wines from this lieu-dit.

About the Producer Yves Cuilleron

Yves Cuilleron likes good food and fine wine, and makes no secret of this. Viticulture has been in his blood for three generations so it was only natural for him to take over the family vineyard in 1987. His grandfather, Claude Cuilleron, planted the plot in 1920 and began bottling his own wine in 1947. Yves initially favoured a mechanised approach but his love of good wine led him back to a more traditional approach. He does not hold any certifications but his vineyards are tended meticulously with the goal of producing the best possible grapes. All the work is carried out by hand and chemical additives are prohibited. In the winery, vinification is traditional. Yves Cuilleron strives for overall harmony in his wines which are known for their elegant expression and finesse.

Detailed characteristics