Raymond Usseglio et Fils, Rhône Valley (France)
"Of the three Usseglios, Raymond produces the richest and fullest wines... a juicy, plump, chewy style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape that can drink well for a decade." (Robert M. Parker, Wines of the Rhône Valley, Dorling Kindersley)
Raymond Usseglio's father, Francis, came from Piemonte in Northern Italy in 1931 and in 1948, after several years working for other growers, acquired 8 hectares which eventually passed to his eldest son, Pierre. Raymond had to build his own estate which he began in 1964. There are now 16 ha in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and a further 5ha in the Côtes du Rhône appellation spread over more than 30 parcels.
Raymond's son, Stéphane, produces rich, full, ageworthy Châteauneuf from vines over 50 years old. They tend to be jammy and juicy with a good amount of fat to cuddle up to yet more elegant than the wines from Raymond's brother Pierre Usseglio, for example.
In addition to the excellent red Châteauneuf, the family also produces a limited production "Cuvée Impériale" from vines planted in 1901-1902 at La Crau, one of the most renowned lieu dits in the appellation, particularly highly regarded for Grenache. There is also a small quantity of improving white wine which is an ideal match for seafood and a delicious old vine Roussanne. From 2007 Stef is also making (in good years) a superb Mourvedre dominated wine, not for the faint-hearted, called "La Part des Anges".
More recent additions to the range include amphora-aged wines which are also excellent.
