Côte Rôtie French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Côte-Rôtie is the northernmost and one of the most prestigious appellations of the Rhône Valley, famous for perfumed, elegant Syrah reds from vertiginous terraced slopes.
More info about Côte Rôtie
Geographic position
Southeastern France, in the Rhône department on the right bank of the Rhône, around Ampuis, just south of Vienne and about 35 km south of Lyon, bordering Condrieu to the south.
Origin & history
The Romans planted these steep slopes over 2,000 years ago, and the wine of Vienne was praised by Pliny and Martial. The name means "roasted slope", for its sun-baked hillsides. Legend says a lord divided his estate between two daughters, one blonde and one brunette, giving rise to the Côte Blonde and Côte Brune. It became an AOC in 1940.
Wines & grape varieties
Red wine only, from Syrah with up to 20% Viognier allowed, often co-fermented. Expect blackberry, raspberry, violet, bacon, olive and pepper, with silky tannins.
Climate & soil
Continental climate with Mediterranean influence. Very steep slopes (up to 60%) of mica-schist and gneiss, held by stone walls.