Yves Cuilleron : Les Rousses 2024

Characteristics and tasting notes for the 2024 Crozes-Hermitage "Les Rousses" by Yves Cuilleron

Tasting notes

Colour
Beautifully clear, the wine reveals a bright pale yellow hue with brilliant highlights.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet opens with pleasant fruity scents of white peach and pear. It is then enriched with delicate touches of almond, lemongrass and white flowers, all underpinned by a mineral and herbaceous dimension.

Palate
With a smooth, unctuous texture, the palate offers a perfect balance between the natural generosity of the grape variety and the freshness of the terroir. It unfolds flavours of almond paste, fennel, sweet pear and orange peel, enhanced by a lovely minerality. The long, flavourful finish lingers on persistent notes of lychee, apricot and ripe apple.

Food and wine pairing

This cuvée pairs beautifully with white fish, such as a fillet with tomatoes and lemon sauce, as well as rich seafood like lobster or crab. It also pairs perfectly with herb-roasted poultry, pork dishes, roasted root vegetables, creamy pasta dishes or aged cheeses such as Gruyère.

Service and storage

Ideally served at a temperature between 10 and 12°C, the Crozes-Hermitage "Les Rousses" 2024 can be enjoyed now for its fruity profile, but will continue to develop further complexity in the cellar until around 2029.

The elegance and mineral richness of a Crozes-Hermitage white wine

The estate

While the family's winemaking history began in 1920, the domaine was truly established as a commercial venture in 1947. After the developments initiated by his uncle Antoine, Yves Cuilleron took over the reins of the estate in 1987. Under his leadership, the vineyard located in Chavanay, in the Rhône Valley, grew from 3.5 to nearly 100 hectares. A leading figure in the region, the current owner skilfully combines traditional methods with a modern vision, favouring sustainable viticulture to bring out the best in each terroir.

The vineyard

This wine comes from the southern sector of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, more precisely from the village of Mercurol and the lieu-dit Malfondières. The vines benefit from a south and southeast exposure on alluvial soils rich in sediment. The vineyard is cultivated using sustainable practices, without any insecticides, favouring organic fertilizers. Rigorous yield control, including bud thinning and green harvesting, ensures optimal grape quality.

The vintage

This year, the harvest was carried out manually, plot by plot, allowing the grapes to be picked at their optimal ripeness while preserving the integrity and quality of the fruit.

Winemaking and aging

After meticulous manual sorting, fermentation of the "Les Rousses" 2024 cuvée is triggered by indigenous yeasts. Aging then takes place on the lees for nine months, without racking. It is carried out half in large 30-hectolitre wooden foudres and half in smaller Burgundian-style barrels, lending a subtle balance to the final blend.

Grape variety

Marsanne (100%)