OUR STORY
The estate was founded in 2011 by American Nancy Kerschen and Julien Cécillon, native to Tournon-sur-Rhône and nephew of Jean-Louis Grippat. Both are fascinated by wine, gastronomy, and travel. After accumulating experiences in different wineries around the world, they decided to start their own business with the intention of sharing their passion. Cave Julien Cécillon is the product of this union.
THE REGION
The Northern Rhône Valley is famous for its steep slopes and well-known terroirs, conducive to producing wines of great expression which harmonize elegance, depth, and freshness- perfectly matching what we are looking for.
OUR VINEYARD
The adventure began with a small vineyard that represents the heart and soul of the estate: Saint Joseph. In 2012, the estate’s inaugural vintage, with 0.3 hectares, they produced two wines from this appellation: both a Saint Joseph white and red cuvée, respectively named Victoria and Babylone.
In the following years, the winery has gradually procured more vineyards, with varying terroirs, in the Northern Rhône Valley. This has allowed them to not only produce a wider array of cuvées, but also to learn from the differences in their individual terroirs.
These plots are located mainly around Tournon-sur-Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage, and the surrounding municipalities.
NANCY
Originally from Houston, Texas, Nancy’s desire for travel and enthusiasm for wine kick-started her career in New Zealand’s Marlborough region, and later, Napa Valley, California. Her natural curiosity and appetite for learning motivated her to continue her path in the wine industry and become sommelier certified. Driven by her intuition, she moved to San Francisco to find work in its exciting food and wine community. This is where she met Julien.
JULIEN
Coming from a family of winemakers, Julien decided to return to his roots, so to speak, after spending a few years in a suit and tie. He traded in his office job for vineyard and cellar work in search of personal fulfillment; from then on, it was clear that he was headed in the right direction. His experiences working for established winemakers in the Rhône Valley, California, and South Africa generated some very enriching encounters, and have essentially helped shaped his winemaking style.
THE ESTATE
Respecting the unique environment of each appellation, the estate applies sustainable viticulture techniques in the vineyard to obtain the best expression of terroir in each bottle. They combine modern means, ancient traditions, and innovative cultivation methods to obtain well-structured, graceful wines that pair well with food. Today, Cave Cécillon offers wines from several appellations such as Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Péray & Cornas, as well as 100% Syrah, Marsanne, Viognier, and Gamay varietal wines.
OUR WINES
Saint-Joseph "Babylone"
Grapes: Syrah
Average age of vines: 35 years
Terroir: Granite
Vineyard Surface Area: 0,90ha
Yield: 40hl/ha
Production: 4256 bottles, 260 Magnums, 6 Jeroboams
Note: If we were to compare this wine to an athlete, it resembles a boxer in a suit tie: powerful, earthy but with finesse and elegance. Well-balanced structure enveloped by a velvety mouthfeel. Black cherry and raspberry notes framed by herb and black pepper aromas. With long ageing potential. Pairs well with pigeon or simply roast quail, girolle mushrooms, and olive oil mashed potatoes.
