For all good things in life, you need technique but above all you need love and passion to make what you do stand out.
Yves Cuilleron of Cave Yves Cuilleron in Condrieu (Rhone, France) possesses all of the above.
Amongst those I approached to kick off informal short interviews (Talking Roots), he was the first one to deliver his answers.
While musing questions I would like to ask, the Charles Trenet classic Nationale 7 (the road to vacations and the Mediterranean) popped up in my mind so I build the interview around it as Condrieu is near its path.
Here it is, The Magnificent Seven, 7 Stops on Nationale 7 by Yves Cuilleron…
Q: Americans like to think of French people as romantic, what would be the best place to
take a lady to charm her?
A: Nearby Hotel Le Beau Rivage in Condrieu (pictured below).
Q: Favorite winemaker or wines (besides yours)?
A: I would choose Cornas de Clape
Q: Favorite place for a relaxing lunch?
A: The Bistrot de Serines in Ampuis
Q: Share a view or scenery that blew you away.
A: It has to be the Côte-Rôtie vineyard as seen from Restaurant L’Auberge de la Source in Tupin Semons
Q: Old stones: Castle, Village, Roman ruins?
The Château des Archevêques of Vienne (Castle of Vienne’s Archbishops) in Seyssuel (photo below via Waymarking).
Q: Painting or movie that captures the spirit of your area?
A: Cannot think of a specific one…
Q: Hopping in the car, where would you head to?
A: Towards the Côte d’Azur
As you can see we did not talk shop with Yves but I did ask him to pick a favorite amongst all his creations and it’s Saint Joseph Les Serines definitely (most recent vintage is 2007).
I hope you enjoyed the excursion.
(* Photo of Bistro de Serine from Vienne-Condrieu Tourist Office)