2022 VIOGNIER, Les Vignes d’à Côté, Cuilleron. Northern Rhône

Cuilleron is based in Chavanay, just south of Condrieu – the spiritual home of Viognier.
As the name implies, this wine is made from vines not in the renowned appellation, but just bordering it (in Chavanay, in fact).

Viognier, hand-picked, fermented naturally with full malolactic, and matured for 9 months, on the lees, in oak barrels (but no new wood).

Yves Cuilleron took over the family estate (as the fourth generation) in 1987. He has both expanded the operation and radically increased the wine quality. He now makes wine from 75 hectares of vineyard and has a bistro in Ampuis.

Gently opulent Viognier but avoiding heaviness (often a problem with top examples of this grape) and no evident oak influence.