Côte Rôtie AOC

An area classified as a cru (top appellation) in the northern section of the Rhône on the right bank. The name means "roasted or fried slopes" and describes the hot, dry climate and the sun-drenched vineyards (similar to the Cornas appellation further south). The region is one of the oldest wine-growing areas in France. The Romans were already cultivating vines here at the turn of the century and the famous Roman poet Martial (40-102) was a wine lover. The vineyards cover around 300 hectares of vines and are divided into three sub-areas. These are Tupin et Semons in the south, the central area around Ampuis and Verenay and St-Cyr-Sur-Le-Rhône in the north.

Soil & climate

The soil consists of gneiss or mica schist, but there are over 70 different sites with different soil types. The climate is a mixture of continental and Mediterranean influences. The local north wind called Bise protects the vines from excessive heat. Some of the vineyards are extremely steep and terraced, making them some of the steepest vineyards in Europe. The historic Côte Blonde (calcareous) and Côte Brune (ferruginous clay), and Les Grandes Places, La Landonne, Les Moutonnes and La Viallière are considered the best sites. There is a legend surrounding these two sites. In the 16th century, the feudal lord Maugiron is said to have bequeathed the property to his two daughters, one of whom was blonde and the other brunette. The two soil types produce wines with different characters.

The wine

The wine is made from at least 80% Syrah red grapes and 20% Viognier white grapes, with the grapes being vinified together using mixed fermentation. Special vintages include 1978, 1989, 1990, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009. The dark-coloured, tannin-rich red wine is one of France's great wines, which only reaches drinking maturity after extended bottle ageing. However, this only applies to the privileged areas (not to flat plateau sites).

Producers

Well-known producers are Pierre Barge, Bernard Burgaud, Champet, Chapoutier, Clusel-Roch, Delas, Pierre Gaillard, Guigal, Jaboulet-Aîné, Domaine Jamet, Jasmin, Ogier, Domaine René Rostaing and Vidal-Fleury.

Map: By DalGobboM in Wikipedia - Own work, GFDL, Link
Vienne: From BlueBreezeWiki - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link