2024 Yves Cuilleron Roussanne Vignes d'à Côté, Northern Rhone

From vineyards just outside the classic appellations, Vignes d’à Côté gives Yves Cuilleron the freedom to highlight variety and site without the constraints of AOC rules, and this Roussanne shows a beautifully pure, expressive side of the grape. Sourced from cooler northern Rhône parcels, it leans into freshness and detail rather than the heavier, more opulent styles Roussanne can sometimes produce.

The 2024 vintage is lifted and aromatic. Apricot and white peach lead, backed by pear and a touch of citrus zest. There is a floral note of acacia and honeysuckle, with a gentle savoury layer of almond, spice and a faint herbal edge that adds interest.

On the palate it is medium bodied with a silky, lightly waxy texture that is classic for the variety. The fruit is generous but controlled, carried by a line of freshness that keeps everything balanced. Flavours move from stone fruit into more savoury notes, nuts, spice and a subtle mineral touch, finishing clean with a softly lingering warmth.

Cuilleron’s winemaking is all about precision, careful fermentation and restrained oak use allowing the varietal character to shine without excess weight.

This is a great wine to stretch out with food. Try it with roast chicken and morels, seared scallops with saffron butter, or grilled prawns with fennel and citrus. It also pairs beautifully with vegetarian dishes like pumpkin and sage gnocchi, a caramelised onion and goat’s cheese tart, or roasted cauliflower with turmeric and yoghurt, where the wine’s texture and gentle spice complement the flavours.

Drinking beautifully now for its freshness and texture, it will also pick up more honeyed, nutty complexity over the next few years.