Vins de Vienne

In 1996, they decided to plant 4 hectares of vines around the Château des Archevêques, on the hillsides of the village of Seyssuel, which is located just 2 km north of Vienne, and of which it was said that the best vines destroyed in 1883 by Phylloxera could be compared to those of Côte Rôtie. Never replanted since, the Seyssuel vineyard had fallen into disrepair until their arrival. The trio Cuilleron, Gaillard, Villard produced their first red Rhône cuvée in 1998: SOTANUM, followed by a white Rhône TABURNUM, and then a second red in 2004: HELUICUM. As early as 2000, a 2-star restaurant in Vienne purchased a large portion of their modest production, which convinced the 3 partners that they were on the right track, as the majority of the estate's vines were planted between 1996 and 2001. Today, nearly 20 hectares of vineyard constitute the estate, which has largely revived the IGP Colline Rhodhanienne, as more than 15 winemakers now produce cuvées in Seyssuel. Of the 20 hectares of vineyard that the Domaine des Vins de Vienne now covers, 12 hectares are located on the hillsides of Seyssuel and 8 hectares on the other bank of the Rhône, with the acquisition of parcels in Condrieu, Côte-Rôtie, Saint Joseph, Crozes Hermitage, Cornas, and Saint Péray. The wine range has been structured, and apart from the 3 original cuvées (SOTANUM, TABURNUM, and HELUICUM), numerous lieu-dits in parcel selections have appeared, covering all the appellations of the Northern Rhône, as well as 2 new ranges called Amphore d'Or and Amphore d'Argent, in partnership with selected producers for the quality of their work and adherence to rigorous specifications. The "Amphores d'Or" distinguish denser and fleshier wines. The St-Joseph is classic and well-structured, it drinks well and should be consumed within 5 years. "Taburnum," 100% Viognier and aged 16 months on lees, is very ripe and does not fall into overly pronounced varietal aromas that can sometimes be found in Condrieu. "Sotanum," pure Syrah aged 15 months, is full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and complex with a spicy finish. Sotanum can be kept for more than 10 years without concern. "Heluicum," benefiting from shorter aging (12 months), is more indulgent, focusing on fruit and spices, with silky tannins and more modest aging potential (5/6 years). A frank success with the Côte-Rôtie "les Essartailles," with delicate tannins on spiced black fruits, of beautiful length. Recommended for finesse enthusiasts.

Discover other estates from the Rhône region with Alain Graillot, Alain Voge, Beaucastel, Clos des Papes, Dard, Delas, Gérin, Gramenon, Jean Louis Chave, Rayas, and Yves Cuilleron. At Vins & Millésimes, our bottles, magnums, and old vintages are always in stock, with fast shipping and at the best price!