LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
Welcome to the Côte-Rôtie AOC, one of France's finest appellations within the Northern Rhône subregion. Here, skilled winemakers create outstanding red wines, mainly using Syrah grapes with a small amount of Viognier added for extra flavour. In 2023, they made 12,601 hectoliters of wine (about 80,000 cases), with each hectare of land producing around 37 hectoliters. Nearly a quarter of these special wines are sold worldwide, making Côte-Rôtie a name wine lovers know and respect.
Picture rows of grapevines growing on stepped hillsides that catch the sun's warmth along the Rhône Valley, 30 km away from Côtes du Rhône AOC. There's a reason they named it Côte-Rôtie, which means "roasted slope" in French. The abundant sunlight these hills receive helps create wines that are full of flavour and wonderful smells. Something to keep in mind is that you will not find subappellations within this AOC. In fact, the only AOCs of the Rhone Valley with sub-appellations are the Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC, located within the Southern Rhône subregion and the Condrieu AOC.
Wine has been made in this area of the Northern Rhone region since Roman times, all the way back to the 1st century AD. This makes it one of France's oldest wine areas. While the region has seen good times and bad over the centuries, the 1900s brought new life to Côte-Rôtie. Dedicated winemakers returned to traditional methods that brought out the best in their land, helping the region gain worldwide fame.
Côte-Rôtie sits in a perfect spot in the Rhône Valley region, with the respected wine regions of Condrieu above it and Saint-Joseph below. In addition, this area is 2 hours away from the Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC in the Southern Rhone subregion and 40 minutes away from Côtes du Rhône AOC. The area is special because it has steep hills, many small weather zones, and rich soils made of granite and schist rock. Together, these features help make wines unlike any others in the world.
The vineyards rise between 180 and 325 meters above sea level, offering ideal conditions for grape cultivation. The warm days promote full ripening of the fruit, while the cool nights preserve the grapes' natural acidity, contributing to the distinct taste and aroma of the wines.
The predominant soil in this area is granite, interspersed with patches of schist. This type of soil drains water effectively, which is essential for grapevines. Additionally, it supplies crucial minerals that contribute to the distinct flavours of each wine. Since every vineyard possesses slightly varied soil composition, each one cultivates wine that boasts its own unique character.
Syrah grapes thrive exceptionally in these conditions, producing wines that are deep in colour and abundant in fruit flavours. The addition of a small quantity of Viognier grapes introduces floral notes, enhancing the wine's smoothness and balance.
Similar to many modern wine regions, Côte-Rôtie is confronting the impacts of climate change. Variations in temperature and rainfall influence grape growth and ripening; thus, winemakers are discovering innovative methods to safeguard their vines while adhering to their established traditions.
Cultivating grapes on steep hills requires significant effort and investment. However, the global appreciation for these unique wines allows winemakers to sell them at prices that justify their labour. Additionally, they are discovering fresh markets in various countries eager to taste their wines.
The future looks bright for Côte-Rôtie. Today's winemakers are using earth-friendly farming methods to ensure future generations can continue making wine here. They're also trying new techniques and technologies to improve their wines even further while keeping the traditional methods that make Côte-Rôtie wines so special.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
Côte-Rôtie is like a giant garden on a hillside, with rows of grapevines growing on steps that climb up from the Rhône River. The name means "roasted slope," which makes perfect sense when you see how the sun warms these hills all day long. These stepped hillsides (we call them terraces) aren't just pretty to look at – they help the grapes receive just the right amount of sunlight to grow perfectly. You'll find these special vineyards in three main towns: Ampuis, Saint-Cyr-sur-le-Rhône, and Tupin-et-Semons. Over many years, wine growers have carefully built stone walls to hold the soil in place and create perfect spots for growing grapes.
The climate in Côte-Rôtie AOC is ideally suited for growing wine grapes. It maintains a temperate climate that strikes an excellent balance throughout the year. The mild winters allow the vines to rest adequately, while the warm summers provide the necessary heat to encourage the grapes to develop sweetness and flavour.
What truly distinguishes this region is the layout of the vineyards. Positioned to the south and southeast, the vineyards receive sunlight throughout the day, providing the optimal conditions for grapevines to produce exceptional wine. Each year, the area receives about 800 millimetres of rainfall, which is the perfect amount for the vines to thrive and yield high-quality grapes.
The winds also play a crucial role. Warm southern winds help keep the vines healthy and dry by dispersing excess moisture that could drive disease pressure. Additionally, the renowned Mistral wind flows down from the north, offering a cooling effect when temperatures rise. Together, these winds act as nature's ventilation system, promoting air circulation around the vines and ensuring a fresh environment.
If you're planning to visit this special wine region, you should come between May and October. During these months, the weather is warm, the days are longer, and there's always something interesting happening in the vineyards.
The most exciting time to visit is late summer and early fall. This is when the grapes are picked (we call it harvest season), and the whole area comes alive with activity. Many winemakers hold special events during this time, letting visitors see how they make their wines and taste some of them. It's a great way to meet the winemakers behind these amazing wines and learn about how they're made.
But if you'd rather have a quieter visit, consider coming in late spring. The vineyards are beautiful then, covered in fresh green leaves, and the weather is perfect for walking around and taking in the views. Whether you choose to come during the busy harvest season or the peaceful springtime, you're sure to have an amazing experience seeing one of France's most famous wine regions.
The Côte-Rôtie AOC makes truly outstanding wines. The producers of this area stand out for their single-vineyard wines, which blend Syrah and Viognier. When you smell them, you'll find rich scents of dark fruits, flowers, and earthy notes all mixed together. Syrah makes up most of the wine (at least 80%), giving flavours that remind you of smoky bacon, black pepper, and sweet violets. Adding up to 20% Viognier enhances the wine's aroma and provides a special smoothness that has captured the hearts of many wine lovers.
What makes these wines different? First, they come from grapes grown on steep hills that get lots of sun. Because it's hard to grow grapes here, each vine produces fewer but better grapes. When winemakers mix Syrah and Viognier together during fermentation, they create something truly special. All the wines of this AOC are known for their deep red colour. They develop even more beautiful as they age, and they feel silky and smooth when you drink them. Despite this, if you are looking for sweet wines, you may have to head to other appellations, like Condrieu.
Côte-Rôtie has two main areas: Côte Brune and Côte Blonde. Côte Brune has dark soil rich in iron, which helps make strong, full-bodied wines. Côte Blonde has lighter, sandy soil that creates more gentle, refined wines. Wine lovers enjoy tasting wines from both areas to spot the differences.
Visiting Côte-Rôtie is about more than just drinking wine – it's about understanding how it's made. Many winemakers welcome visitors to walk through their vineyards and see the steep terraces up close. They also host special events throughout the year, like harvest celebrations and open house days, where you can meet the people who make these amazing wines and learn their secrets.
These wines taste even better when paired with the right food. They go perfectly with classic French dishes like coq au vin, beef bourguignon, and duck confit. If you're feeling adventurous, try them with wild game meats like venison or wild boar – the wine's rich flavours work really well with these hearty dishes.
If you want to visit Côte-Rôtie, you'll find plenty of great places to stay. Choose from cozy bed-and-breakfasts or fancy hotels – many offer special wine packages that include vineyard tours and tastings. Staying in towns like Ampuis or Condrieu puts you right in the heart of wine country. From these locations, you can easily visit various wineries while enjoying the beautiful views of the Rhône Valley. Whether you're planning a quick trip or a longer stay, there's something for every wine lover here.
Côte-Rôtie AOC, located in the northern Rhône Valley, is renowned for producing some of the finest wines globally, relying primarily on two grape varieties. The predominant grape used is Syrah, which must make up at least 80% of the blend. Viognier, a white grape, complements with distinctive flavours and aromas. Although you may occasionally hear about other varietals like Grenache Blanc, Mourvèdre, or Roussanne, their contributions to these wines are minimal.
The Côte-Rôtie AOC makes truly outstanding wines. The producers of this area stand out for their single-vineyard wines, which blend Syrah and Viognier. When you smell them, you'll find rich scents of dark fruits, flowers, and earthy notes all mixed together. Syrah makes up most of the wine (at least 80%), giving flavours that remind you of smoky bacon, black pepper, and sweet violets. Adding up to 20% Viognier enhances the wine's aroma and provides a special smoothness that has captured the hearts of many wine lovers.
What makes these wines different? First, they come from grapes grown on steep hills that get lots of sun. Because it's hard to grow grapes here, each vine produces fewer but better grapes. When winemakers mix Syrah and Viognier together during fermentation, they create something truly special. All the wines of this AOC are known for their deep red colour. They develop even more beautiful as they age, and they feel silky and smooth when you drink them. Despite this, if you are looking for sweet wines, you may have to head to other appellations, like Condrieu.
Côte-Rôtie has two main areas: Côte Brune and Côte Blonde. Côte Brune has dark soil rich in iron, which helps make strong, full-bodied wines. Côte Blonde has lighter, sandy soil that creates more gentle, refined wines. Wine lovers enjoy tasting wines from both areas to spot the differences.
Visiting Côte-Rôtie is about more than just drinking wine – it's about understanding how it's made. Many winemakers welcome visitors to walk through their vineyards and see the steep terraces up close. They also host special events throughout the year, like harvest celebrations and open house days, where you can meet the people who make these amazing wines and learn their secrets.
These wines taste even better when paired with the right food. They go perfectly with classic French dishes like coq au vin, beef bourguignon, and duck confit. If you're feeling adventurous, try them with wild game meats like venison or wild boar – the wine's rich flavours work really well with these hearty dishes.
If you want to visit Côte-Rôtie, you'll find plenty of great places to stay. Choose from cozy bed-and-breakfasts or fancy hotels – many offer special wine packages that include vineyard tours and tastings. Staying in towns like Ampuis or Condrieu puts you right in the heart of wine country. From these locations, you can easily visit various wineries while enjoying the beautiful views of the Rhône Valley. Whether you're planning a quick trip or a longer stay, there's something for every wine lover here.
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