Cave Yves Cuilleron Labaya 2021
Category | Red Wine |
Varietal | |
Brand | Cave Yves Cuilleron |
Origin | France, Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage |
The Cuilleron estate, located in Verlieu, a hamlet of Chavanay just south of Condrieu, is one of the benchmark producers of the Rhône. Proprietor Yves Cuilleron makes an assortment of wines from multiple appellations, including Condrieu, Saint Péray, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Côte-Rôtie, and a range of terrific varietally labelled Vin de Pays from the Collines Rhodaniennes. Most vines are grown on terraces which means all vineyard work is done by hand. In the cellar, grapes are fermented using indigenous yeasts; the white wines are fermented in barrels of various sizes and ages and kept on the lees with regular battonage; the reds are partially destemmed, and fermentation occurs in open top cuves.
The Crozes-Hermitage Labaya's name is derived from Laya, an old name district of Tain l’Hermitage. The grapes come from two plots in the communes of Mercurol and Beaumont-Monteux, grown in deep, stony, sandy, loamy soils. All grapes are hand harvested, partially destemmed and fermented with native yeasts in vats and aged for 16 months in barrels. The Labaya is a juicy, full-bodied Crozes-Hermitage with high-toned red and black fruit notes that show plenty of ripeness buttressed by soft tannins and a vibrant acidity. Enjoy with delicate red meats or rich white meat dishes.