Yves Cuilleron Condrieu 'Les Chaillets' / 2011 / 375mL
Description:
Origin: the best and oldest vines on the estate, on south/southeast-facing terraces overlooking Chavanay. "Les Chaillets” is not a district but the local name for terraces.
Soils: muscovite-rich granite.
Varieties planted: viognier.
Cultivation: high-density planting (8,000-10,000 vines per hectare). No insecticides or pesticides, few treatments (depending on weather), small amount of organic-only fertiliser, with respect of soil and vine balance. Vigour and yield control, leaf-thinning and green harvesting to promote grape maturation.
Vinification: the grapes are picked when fully ripe and hand-sorted. After pressing, they are alcoholic and malolactic fermented in barriques with native yeasts.
Maturing: 9 months in barriques, on the lees, no racking, regular stirring.
Alcohol content: 13.5%.
Output: approx. 19,000 bottles.
Style: a rich and complex nose of flowers, fruit and spice. On the palate: ample and balanced, with a minerality that imparts appealing length.
Ageing: drink for the primary aromas during 3-4 years, but also for the secondary aromas from 6-10 years.
Food match: shellfish and delicate fish (e.g. langoustine with lemon and fresh sage).