Côte-Rôtie and its wines

The Côte-Rôtie is one of the most prestigious and ancient appellations of Northern Rhône Valley in France, famous for its elegant, powerful red wines made mainly from the grape variety Syrah, often enriched by small percentages of Viognier. This combination gives the wines of Côte-Rôtie a perfect balance between power e finesse, making them unique and recognisable the world over.

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Origin and History of Côte-Rôtie

Viticulture in the Côte-Rôtie has very ancient roots, dating back to Roman times. The name "Côte-Rôtie" literally means "a sun-baked hill" and refers to the sunny aspect of the vineyards, which enjoy a warm, breezy climate. Written records of winegrowing in this area date back to the 4th century, but it was in the 20th century that Côte-Rôtie gained international fame thanks to the dedication of small producers and the growing demand for high-quality wines. The appellation AOC Côte-Rôtie was officially recognised in 1940.

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Geography and Terroir of the Côte-Rôtie

Location

Côte-Rôtie lies in the northern part of the Rhône Valley, south of Lyon and to the north of Tain-l’Hermitage, in the department of the Loire. The vineyards stretch along the steep hills flanking the right bank of the river Rhône.

Extent

• Approximately 300 hectares of vineyards.
• Divided into two main sectors:
  • Côte Blonde: With lighter soils, it produces more elegant, fragrant wines.
  • Côte Brune: Richer, clay-heavy soils give rise to more structured, powerful wines.

Soil and Terroir

• Granite and mica schist: On the higher slopes, they give minerality and finesse.
• Clay and sandy soils: In the lower areas, they offer structure and complexity.
• Steep slopes: With south-easterly aspects, which maximise the ripening of the grapes.

Climate

• Continental with Mediterranean influences.
• Hot summers e sunny, with the protection of the Mistral, a dry wind that keeps the grapes healthy.
• The temperature swings between day and night encourage the aromatic development of the grapes.

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Grape varieties of the Côte-Rôtie

Black Grape Variety

• Syrah: It is the main grape variety and can be vinified as a single variety. It gives wines of great structure, depth e longevity.

White Grape Variety

• Viognier: It may be present up to 20% of the blend. It gives the wines aromas floral and helps to soften the tannins, adding elegance e complexity.

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Style of the Wines of Côte-Rôtie

The wines of Côte-Rôtie are among the most refined and long-lived of the Rhône Valley. The combination of power e elegance makes them unique.

Colour

• Deep ruby red, which with ageing tends towards garnet.

Aromas

• Black fruits: blackberry, blackcurrant, plum.
• Floral notes: violet, iris.
• Spices: black pepper, liquorice.
• Smoky notes and of dried meat (typical of Syrah).
• Floral aromas and of apricot (given by Viognier in the blends).

Palate

• Structured e complex, with tannins silky and well integrated.
• Balanced acidity which gives freshness.
• Finish long e lingering, with returning spicy and fruity notes.
• Long-lived: It can age for decades in the best vintages.

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Winemaking Techniques

Côte-Rôtie producers combine traditional and modern techniques to get the very best from the grapes.

• Extended maceration to extract colour and tannins.
• Spontaneous fermentations with indigenous yeasts.
• Ageing in French oak barriques for 18-24 months, with a variable percentage of new casks.
• In some cases, use is made of whole-bunch fermentation to add complexity.

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Food Pairings

Thanks to their structure e refinement, the wines of Côte-Rôtie pair perfectly with rich, flavourful dishes.

• Red meat grilled and braised.
• Game and roasts.
• Spicy dishes and stews.
• Aged cheeses e blue cheeses.
• Mushroom-based dishes e truffle.

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Why Choose a Wine from Côte-Rôtie?

Go for a wine from the Côte-Rôtie means choosing a product of excellence, able to express a perfect balance between power e refinement. These wines are ideal for anyone looking for a complex, rewarding tasting experience, able to evolve magnificently over time.