Yves Cuilleron St. Joseph Blanc 'Digue' 2024

A rare 100% Roussanne from Saint-Joseph, Digue highlights the more refined and age-worthy side of one of the Rhône Valley’s most fascinating white grape varieties. While Roussanne is often associated with the legendary white wines of Hermitage, Yves Cuilleron demonstrates its remarkable potential on the granite slopes of Saint-Joseph, where the variety gains both aromatic complexity and mineral precision. The estate’s deep knowledge of the Northern Rhône’s hillside vineyards allows each parcel to express its own identity, and Digue reflects a careful balance between the natural generosity of Roussanne and the freshness provided by the region’s granite soils. The 2024 vintage was a more classical year in the Rhône, marked by a cooler growing season that favoured elegance, freshness and aromatic definition, resulting in wines of impressive purity and balance.

Crafted entirely from Roussanne, Digue 2024 was fermented and matured in French oak, with careful élevage designed to enhance texture while preserving the variety’s natural finesse. The wine shows a beautifully lifted aromatic profile, with notes of white flowers, jasmine, acacia and honeysuckle alongside pear, citrus zest, fresh almond, herbal nuances and a subtle mineral character. On the palate, it is precise and energetic, combining a silky texture with bright acidity and a long, saline finish that reflects its granite origins. Compared with richer, more opulent expressions of Roussanne, Digue focuses on finesse, freshness and clarity, while retaining the depth needed for graceful ageing. A superb partner for lobster, scallops, grilled fish, roast poultry, creamy sauces, fresh goat’s cheese and refined Mediterranean cuisine.