Condrieu AOC, Yves Cuilleron, La Petite Côte
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🧐 An Emotion in a Bottle — Signed by Yves Cuilleron
Some wines tell a story. Others whisper it to you the moment you lift the glass.
“"La Petite Côte” 2023 is a journey to the heart of the northern Rhône Valley, nestled in the sun-drenched hillsides of Condrieu. It’s also the promise of a visionary winemaker, Yves Cuilleron, whose every vintage reflects a precise hand and sincere patience.
🍇 The Yves Cuilleron Estate
Based in Chavanay, in the heart of the northern Rhône, Yves Cuilleron is a key figure in the region’s winemaking revival. Since taking over the family estate in 1987, he has continuously explored, refined, and expressed the very soul of Condrieu’s legendary terroirs.
His signature? Authentic, precise, and character-driven wines that strike a beautiful balance between tradition and innovation.
Condrieu AOC, A Terroir Like No Other
Created in 1940, the Condrieu appellation is a rare gem perched on steep granite slopes overlooking the Rhône River, between Vienne and Saint-Péray. It is dedicated exclusively to Viognier, a notoriously demanding grape that, when nurtured with care, produces white wines of unparalleled opulence and elegance, aromatic, textured, and utterly unique.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Brilliant golden hue with glints of honey. A radiant robe that announces the richness of the Viognier, the soul of this wine.
Nose: Aromatically arresting from the first swirl, ripe apricot and white peach take center stage, intertwined with floral notes of acacia and violet. Beneath, a touch of fresh almond, honey, and a subtle hint of vanilla add depth without ever weighing it down.
Palate: The mouthfeel is broad, silky, and almost caressing. The wine then unfolds with generous weight, beautifully held in tension by a surprising streak of freshness, rare for Condrieu. The long, mineral-laced finish is mouthwatering, with a noble bitterness that lends structure and length. A wine that dances between power and grace, always subtle, never showy.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Temperature
Perfect with:
Creamy poultry dishes
Pan-seared scallops
Lightly grilled fish
Seared foie gras
Mediterranean cuisine
Goat cheeses like Rigotte de Condrieu, a small artisanal cheese made from whole raw goat’s milk.
Serve chilled, between 10–12°C (50–54°F).
Or simply enjoy it on its own as the sun sets on a quiet evening.
❤️ Why You Should Try It
Because Condrieu AOC “La Petite Côte” 2023 is more than just a wine, it’s a sensory experience. It masterfully reconciles lush fruit with finesse, paying tribute to a capricious grape that sings when in the right hands. And Yves Cuilleron? He conducts it like a virtuoso.
From One Wine Lover to Another
From the very first sip, I knew I had to share it. This Condrieu is an invitation to travel, an elegant and heartfelt interlude. A wine to give, to cherish, or to keep (but probably not for long, it’s too good).
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