"Petite Serene" is an ancient variety of Syrah (old vines planted locally) that is said to produce more expressive wines than modern clones. "Petite Serene" is an ancient variety of Syrah (old vines planted locally) that is said to produce more expressive wines than modern clones. It has a unique aroma similar to blackberry. It also has hints of small wild fruits, hibiscus tea, leather and animal nuances. It has firm tannins and is rich, complex and powerful. It can be aged for 5 to 7 years, but can be enjoyed young. Planting density: 8,000 to 10,000 vines/ha
No pesticides or herbicides are used. Organic pesticides are sprayed as needed.
To aid in ripening, the vines are vigorously controlled, the leaves are removed, and the grapes are thinned out. When the grapes reach the ideal maturity, they are harvested and hand-selected. Only the best pressed juice is used. Alcoholic fermentation is performed using natural yeasts, followed by MLF in barriques. The grapes are then aged in barriques for 18 months. Born in 1961, Mr. Cuillon studied winemaking and viticulture at a technical school, and in 1986 he took over the Domaine from his uncle. In his mid-30s, he was already at the top of the Rhone white winemaking scene, and he owns a large 12-hectare vineyard in Condrieu, where he produces outstanding wines with complex, rich, well-balanced, and deep flavors. The Vieilles Vignes made from old vines and the L'Ecolte Tartives made from perfectly ripe grapes picked later are spectacular. The vines are 15 to 60 years old, and the grapes are selected and harvested at the minimum amount possible, which are then carefully selected again on the selection table. For reds, up to 30% of the grapes are fermented whole in cement and stainless steel tanks, which allow for easy temperature control. For whites, the wines are generally fermented in barrels. After a long maceration period, the wines are aged in small barrels (10-100% new barrels) for 6-18 months. The wines are frequently batonnaged and bottled without filtering. Currently, the Domaine owns 75 hectares and is the largest in the Northern Rhone region. In 2016, the Domaine opened a new winery and adopted gravity flow, striving to produce even more outstanding wines.