Giannikos Winery - Cave Yves Cuilleron

Yves Cuilleron represents the third generation of winemakers. Cave Cuilleron was founded in 1920. In 1987, the domain came into the hands of Yves through his grandfather and uncle. Together with François Villard, Yves Cuilleron is today one of the greatest talents in the northern Rhône. Wine Spectator calls him the leader of the new generation of winemakers in the Condrieu. Most of his vineyards are in and around Chavanay, just south of Condrieu. In total, it has 59 hectares divided between Saint Joseph (Blanc), Saint Joseph (Rouge), Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu.

Yves has an important slogan... picking grapes as ripe as possible! He is a gourmand who loves good food and 'Les Vins Gourmand'. You can also taste that in his wines. He makes his wines '100% maison'. For each plot or type of wine, he monitors the Cuilleron style of the relevant cuvée, without compromise. However, nothing is certain with him. He works on feeling, experience and continues to observe and adjust. He selects the fruit from the older and younger canes. He does the same with the different plots. He only blends different plots if there are enough synonyms or properties that complement each other.

In terms of winemaking, Yves goes his own way. He doesn't follow trends. He does not work conventionally, not organically and not biodynamically, but according to his own philosophy aimed at obtaining healthy grapes. He continuously observes in order to be able to intervene in time. He has been working sustainably for 20 years according to la lutte raisonnée; a sensible way of winemaking without pesticides and fertilizers. In the cellar he works with natural yeasts and prefers to use older casks and barriques instead of steel tanks.