Yves Cuilleron : Lieu-dit "Bonnivières" 2023

The pure, mineral expression of a Côte-Rôtie wine

The estate

Founded in 1920 by Claude Cuilleron, the family estate is located in the northern Rhône Valley, France. Since 1987, Yves Cuilleron has led the estate, embodying the third generation. Under his direction, the vineyard has grown from 3.5 to more than 70 hectares spread across prestigious appellations. A fervent advocate of artisanal winegrowing, Yves Cuilleron favours meticulous manual work and a respectful approach to the terroirs. The estate is known for authentic wines that reflect the region's geological richness.

The vineyard

This cuvée comes from the Bonnivières lieu-dit, located in the commune of Ampuis at the heart of the Côte-Rôtie appellation. This steep, terraced terroir stands out for its mica-schist soils and eastern exposure, ideal for preserving the grapes' vibrancy. The old vines are planted at high density, between 8,000 and 10,000 vines per hectare, and are hand-farmed with limited yields to ensure optimal quality.

The vintage

2023 benefited from slightly cooler weather conditions than in previous years. This climate allowed for a vintage with a classic profile, giving the various terroirs the opportunity to fully express themselves and retain their distinct identity.

Winemaking and aging

For the Lieu-dit "Bonnivières" 2023, the harvest is entirely manual with rigorous sorting. After crushing and partial destemming, fermentation takes place in open vats for around three weeks, punctuated by regular punching down and pumping over under strict temperature control. Malolactic fermentation occurs in barrels through the action of indigenous yeasts. The wine is then aged for eighteen months in French oak barrels, without any addition of oenological products.

Grape variety

Syrah (100%).

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Lieu-dit "Bonnivières" 2023 by Yves Cuilleron

Tasting notes

Color
The glass reveals an intense, deep black colour.

Nose
Initially discreet, the bouquet opens onto aromas of spiced black fruits such as cherry and blackberry. It then reveals notes of sandalwood, graphite, along with subtle smoky touches.

Palate
The palate offers remarkable purity and perfect balance, underscored by a velvety mid-palate. The tannins, tight at first, show a fine, savoury grain. The finish stands out for its beautiful mineral freshness evoking wild berries.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs wonderfully with noble game such as venison or wild boar, as well as with powerful roasted or grilled red meats. The estate particularly recommends it with duck confit parmentier, duck breast with caramelised endives, or aged cheeses such as Comté.

Service and storage

It is recommended to lightly decant the Lieu-dit "Bonnivières" 2023 one hour before serving at a temperature of 16 to 17°C. Designed for aging, this wine needs four to five years to reach its optimal tasting window and can be cellared for around fifteen years.