Clusel-Roch: Courageous Family Embraces Organic Côte-Rôtie

15

The Legacy of Côte-Rôtie: A Journey Through Time

Côte-Rôtie, a name synonymous with prestige, owes its reputation to dedicated winemakers. Among them, Brigitte Roch and Gilbert Clusel stand out as exemplary figures. Their commitment to traditional farming practices laid the groundwork for the success of the Clusel-Roch estate, now managed by their son, Guillaume.

The Clusel family’s passion for the land dates back decades. They cultivated various crops, including fruits and vegetables, long before Côte-Rôtie gained fame. However, until the 1980s, Côte-Rôtie wines were relatively unknown, enjoyed only by a select few. The turning point came when Gilbert Clusel joined the family estate in 1980, determined to revive abandoned vineyards.

Despite Côte-Rôtie’s rich history dating back to antiquity, the vineyards had suffered neglect since World War I. Gilbert shifted focus from fruit and vegetable production to winemaking. In 1969, the estate began bottling its wines, and the name "Clusel-Roch" emerged, symbolizing a new era for the family and their vineyards.

A New Era of Winemaking: Innovations and Certifications

The 1990s marked a significant transformation for the Clusel-Roch estate. The family adopted mass selection techniques, replanting vines from the best old stocks. They also ceased using chemical products, opting for organic practices instead. This commitment culminated in obtaining organic certification in 2002, a milestone for the estate.

Guillaume Clusel joined the family business in 2009, taking on many responsibilities. Under his guidance, the estate expanded to include the AOC Coteaux du Lyonnais, adding diversity to their offerings. Today, the estate spans 19 hectares, with a focus on traditional "serines" for Côte-Rôtie, ensuring complex flavors and lower yields.

In Coteaux du Lyonnais, the landscape differs significantly. The terrain is less steep, and the Gamay grape replaces Syrah. This results in wines that are approachable and meant to be enjoyed young. The Clusel-Roch estate exemplifies a dedication to terroir, producing wines that reflect their unique environment.

The Art of Winemaking: A Commitment to Quality

The Clusel-Roch wines are characterized by their elegance and balance. The family’s approach emphasizes minimal extraction and a portion of whole clusters in fermentation. This technique enhances the wine’s complexity while maintaining its integrity.

The estate’s offerings include a range of wines, each with distinct characteristics. For instance, the Condrieu Verchéry is celebrated for its floral and stone fruit aromas. Meanwhile, the Côte-Rôtie la Viallière showcases the depth of mass-selected Syrah, aged in two-year-old barrels.

The Côte-Rôtie Les Grandes Places is a standout, known for its structure and aging potential. It reveals subtle notes of underbrush and truffle, embodying the Clusel-Roch signature. The estate also produces a Côte du Rhône, which is complex and well-structured, featuring fruit and spice notes.

In the Coteaux du Lyonnais, the Traboules red wine is juicy and vibrant, bursting with red fruit aromas. The L’Hecto white wine, made from Chardonnay, offers citrus and floral notes, finishing with a lovely minerality. Each bottle tells a story of passion, tradition, and respect for the land, making Clusel-Roch a beacon of quality in the wine world.

media: Idealwine – iDealwine

source: Idealwine – Domaine Clusel-Roch : en Côte-Rôtie, une famille courageuse convertie au bio