Côte-Rôtie

The Côte-Rôtie appellation today covers 3 communes on the right bank of the Rhône: Saint-Cyr-sur-Rhône, Ampuis and Tupin-Semons, in the Rhône department. The Côte-Rôtie terroir is made up of steep, granite terraces covered by a layer of silica-limestone in the Côte blonde, and clay and iron oxide in the Côte brune. The climate is moderate continental, dry and hot in summer, with regular rainfall in other seasons. 

The area under Côte-Rôtie production is around 230 ha, with an annual production of around 8500 hectolitres of red wine. Côte-Rôtie wine is made from at least 80% Syrah, with a maximum of 20% Viognier. Aging in oak barrels lasts a minimum of 18 months to 3 years. This excellent Côte-Rôtie appellation is perfectly showcased by houses such as E. Guigal, Domaine Georges Vernay, M. Chapoutier and Domaine Barge. 

Recognized as an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) since 1936, Côte-Rôtie stands out among the great Rhône Valley crus. A wine-growing region celebrated since antiquity, Côte-Rôtie wines were served at the finest tables of European monarchies.

Côte-Rôtie red wine: climate and soil

The vineyards in this northern part of the Rhône Valley benefit from south-facing exposure. The Mediterranean climate, marked by continental influences, promises hot summers, plenty of sunshine and regular rainfall. The chayets, stony granite terraces on which the vineyards grow, are made of micaschist, leucogneiss or migmatite. These three metamorphic rocks crumble into rubble and sand. They retain water in their cracks and roughness. This soil, ideal for vines, is characterized by its high acidity, quartz derivatives and iron alterations.

Côte-Rôtie: terroir and grape varieties

The AOC currently covers vineyards in 3 communes in the Vallée du Rhône Rhône Ampuis, Saint-Cyr-sur-le-Rhône and Tupin-et-Semons. 133 age-old localities dot this emblematic wine-growing region. Côte Blonde, Côte Brune, Grandes Places and Rochins are among the most famous. The region's growers plant black Syrah, which accounts for at least 80% of the total, and viognier B. The two grape varieties co-ferment, giving the côte-rôtie red wineToday, 60 estates respect the AOC's characteristic grape varieties. They bottle nearly 8,500 hectolitres of wine each year from 230 hectares.

Côte-Rôtie wine: unique ageing and aromas

The big ones Côte-Rôtie estates age their wines in the traditional way, in oak barrels for a minimum of 18 months. Nevertheless, their wines improve particularly well in the cellar. Long ageing over several decades refines the tannins, giving them finesse and delicacy. 

With age, the deep ruby colour, dotted with tears, of the Côte-Rôtie red wine tending towards tile. The AOC benefits from characteristic meaty aromas, close to smoked bacon and leather. As it ages, its red and black fruit notes gain in nobility. They reveal vanilla aromas, enhanced by violets, and woody notes. This full-bodied wine also has a long finish, with roasted aromas of tobacco and chocolate.

Côte-Rôtie: an appellation and prices

L'AOC Côte-Rôtie has many particularities. Depending on the estate, the locality and the vintage, flavors vary, gaining in power, delicacy or length on the palate. The tannic elegance of exceptional years and renowned lieux-dits make the best bottles extremely sought-after internationally. As a result, prices vary by a factor of three. However, for French connoisseurs, these grands crus remain affordable.

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