🍷 Yves Cuilleron Côte-Rôtie "Madinière"
Northern Rhône Syrah at its most elegant. Dark fruit, black pepper, and a whisper of smoke.
"Top northern Rhône Syrah — dark fruit, pepper and a touch of smoke. Elegant but structured, with fine tannins and a long, savoury finish. Great with grilled meats, lamb and barbecue. Serious, characterful red from a highly respected grower."
What it is
Côte-Rôtie, Northern Rhône, France. Steep hillside vineyards carved into granite and schist, facing south over the river. This is one of the most dramatic and prestigious terroirs in France — and Syrah's spiritual home.
Yves Cuilleron is one of the region's most respected growers. "Madinière" is his Côte-Rôtie: mainly Syrah, with a small touch of Viognier co-fermented for perfume and lift. Medium-full bodied, structured, and unmistakably Northern Rhône in character.
The place & method
Côte-Rôtie means "roasted slope." The vineyards sit on steep, sun-drenched hillsides. Syrah thrives here, developing thick skins, concentrated flavours, and that signature peppery spice. The addition of Viognier — co-fermented, not blended later — gives aromatic lift and a floral thread that runs through the wine without softening its structure.
What it tastes like
In the glass: deep ruby with purple highlights.
On the nose: blackcurrant, blackberry, dark cherry. Black pepper — the Northern Rhône trademark. Violet, smoked meat, a touch of olive and warm spice. Complex and savoury, not fruity and simple.
On the palate: dry, concentrated. Fine but firm tannins give grip without roughness. Medium-plus body. Fresh acidity keeps it lively. Flavours of black fruits, pepper, a hint of smoked bacon, olive, and subtle oak integration. Long, savoury, slightly smoky finish.
This is elegant but structured. Not jammy, not over-oaked, not sweet. It is about spice, florals, and savoury complexity — the kind of wine that rewards patience and the right food.
When to open it
-
With grilled or roasted meats: steak, lamb, duck, venison, barbecue
-
Rich, savoury dishes: braised beef, casseroles, charcuterie
-
For customers who want a serious, food-friendly red with real character — but not as heavy or oaky as many New World styles
-
For whisky drinkers who like peated or slightly smoky styles, or spicy, complex malts — this offers savoury, peppery character and structure rather than soft, sweet fruit
Specs
-
Origin: Côte-Rôtie, Northern Rhône, France
-
Producer: Yves Cuilleron
-
Grape: Syrah with a small amount of Viognier co-fermented
-
Style: Dry red wine, medium-full bodied
-
ABV: ~13%