Southern Rhone Valley, France
Working organically since 2009, Olivier Cuilleras crafts a full portfolio of the finest terroirs of Côtes du Rhône-Village: Visan, Cairanne, and Vinsobres. Cuilleras’s 2020 Vin de France hails from roughly equal parts young vine Grenache and Syrah crafted to be affordable and immediately delicious. Casting a brilliant, translucent ruby robe, the Saint Léger fills the room with warming Southern Rhône scents of black raspberries, wild cherries, garrigue, and woodsmoke. Firm and coiled on the attack, the wine opens mid-palate to reveal herb-tinged raspberry and cherry fruit lifted by a chalky, dusty mineral undercurrent. The finishe shows savory blackberry and sun-warmed plum fruit accented by notes of cherry skin, plentiful fine tannins, dusty limestone minerality, and lingering floral notes of violet petals. This is a lovely Southern Rhône rouge and an outstanding Côtes du Rhône-Villages in all but name. Enjoy now and over the coming five years with roast herbed leg of lamb, dishes featuring porcini mushrooms, ratatouille, and hearty cassoulets.
A May 2022 newsletter selection
Certified Organic
