Guillaume Gilles
Although Guillaume Gilles was born in Lyon, from the age of eight he dreamed of following in the footsteps of his grandfather Marcel Juge, a highly-respected vigneron in Cornas. The opportunity presented itself in 2000 when Robert Michel, a leading grower in the same appellation, offered him a job as an apprentice. He worked with Robert until his retirement in 2006, followed by a stint for Jean-Louis Chave in Hermitage before striking out on his own in 2007 and finally renting 2ha from Robert in the fine lieu-dit of Chaillot. Here the vines average 40yo with a myriad of massale clippings and clones (planted by Robert) in the plots of Les Terrasses and Les Grands Murs on extremely steep south to south-east facing slopes.
Tasting Notes
A seductive nose, lovely weight of rich red/black fruit and liquorice on the palate, imprint of terroir, notably irony and very fine tannins – it’s all very harmonious.
Food Matches
Super with sirloin steak
Vinification
The grapes were not destalked and the wine has been aged in two thirds 400 litres barrels and bottled without fining or filtration.