Yves Cuilleron Syrah 'Les Candives' 2024

Not every great Northern Rhône Syrah needs a prestigious appellation. Les Candives perfectly illustrates Yves Cuilleron's philosophy of producing wines that prioritise terroir, balance and drinkability above classification. Widely regarded as one of the region's benchmark winemakers, Cuilleron applies the same meticulous vineyard work and precision found in his flagship wines to this cuvée, sourcing fruit from carefully selected granite-rich hillside vineyards in the Northern Rhône. The combination of warm sunny days, cool nights and the influence of the Mistral allows Syrah to ripen slowly, producing a wine of remarkable freshness, aromatic purity and Mediterranean charm. The 2024 vintage highlights this elegant style, offering vibrant fruit, floral lift and exceptional precision.

Made from 100% Syrah, the wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts before ageing in French oak, with only a restrained proportion of new barrels to preserve the purity of the fruit. The nose is immediately inviting, revealing aromas of fresh blackberry, blueberry and black cherry intertwined with crushed violets, white pepper, smoked herbs, olive tapenade, liquorice and delicate spice. The palate is supple, vibrant and beautifully balanced, where silky tannins, bright acidity and subtle mineral tension give energy and finesse rather than weight. Fresh, savoury and wonderfully expressive, it delivers the unmistakable character of Northern Rhône Syrah while remaining approachable from a young age. It pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, roast chicken, duck, charcuterie, mushroom dishes and mature cheeses.