2022 Domaine Julien Ccillon “Invictus” Viognier, Rhone Valley, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Invictus comes from a 0.4 hectare parcel in Ardoix, a rugged landscape deep into the hills of the Ardche, that Cecillon acquired in 2016, and a 0.4 hectare parcel in Tournon, which survived from mudflow, droughts, and more. These vines are invincible!

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

While the Cecillon label only recently began, Juliens family has been documented making wine in Tournon for eleven generations. Today, Julien and his wife are dedicated to producing exceptional terroir-driven wines at their small winery, which is located near Tournon, in the historic center of the Rhne Valley.

Julien Cecillon grew up in Tournon-sur-Rhne, surrounded by the maternal branch of the family that includes iconic producers such as his cousin, Bernard Faurie, and uncle Jean-Louis Grippat. After meeting Nancy Kerschen while working at a winery in California, the two decided to return to Tournon and create their own estate. Acquiring small parcels by chance, opportunity, and perseverance, Julien and Nancy have worked together with tireless focus to craft wines that establish their own reputation amongst the best producers in the Northern Rhne. Though they are running the winery on their own, the couple certainly benefits from the guidance of Juliens winemaking heritage. Jean-Louis Grippat, now retired, can be called on for advice, and loves to ride his bicycle past his nephews vines to verify that all the vineyard work is timely and proper.

Julien and Nancy farm estate parcels in the appellations of Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage, as well as two hectares of Viognier and Gamay further into the Ardche hills near the village of Ardoix, which are classified as Vin de France. To broaden the range of wines, they also work with local growers to produce several micro-ngociant cuves. All of the wines at the domaine are produced with native yeasts and are aged primarily in used barrels to create harmonious, balanced wines that highlight the unique terroirs of the Northern Rhne.