Yves Cuilleron Les Vignes d'à Côté Viognier 2025

Grown on granite-rich slopes immediately beyond the Condrieu appellation, this beautifully expressive Viognier captures everything that makes the Northern Rhône the spiritual home of the variety. Yves Cuilleron is recognised as one of the region's benchmark producers, having played a major role in the revival of Condrieu and establishing his family estate in Chavanay among the Northern Rhône's finest domaines. For Les Vignes d'à Côté, he works with carefully tended vineyards planted just outside the Condrieu boundaries, where the same granite soils, steep hillsides and cooling influence of the Mistral produce Viognier of remarkable purity, freshness and aromatic precision. Rather than relying on appellation prestige, this wine allows the exceptional terroir and meticulous vineyard work to take centre stage.

Made from 100% Viognier, the wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts before ageing on its fine lees, with restrained use of French oak to preserve freshness and enhance texture without masking the fruit. Aromas of white peach, apricot, ripe pear and citrus blossom unfold alongside honeysuckle, jasmine, fresh almond and subtle spice, all underpinned by a distinctive granite-derived minerality. The palate is generous yet remarkably poised, combining silky texture with vibrant acidity and a fresh, saline finish that keeps the wine beautifully balanced. Elegant rather than opulent, it showcases the floral perfume and finesse that define great Northern Rhône Viognier. It pairs superbly with grilled prawns, lobster, scallops, roast chicken, creamy cheeses and lightly spiced Asian cuisine.