Cote-Rotie
Cote-Rotie
The small appellation of Cote-Rotie is the northernmost in the northern Rhone, and one of the most exclusive. Located on the steep slopes around the town of Ampuis, the south-east aspect of the vineyards allows the vines to soak up the heat of the sun all day long, creating intensely flavoured grapes. In fact, Cote-Rotie translates as 'roasted slope', indicating the conditions the grapes enjoy in their warm vineyard sites. Soils transition between sandy limestone to brown, iron-rich sites which produce the longer-living, more structured wines. The Syrah grape is king, and the finely balanced, well-structured wines are allowed to have up to 20 percent Viognier added to them, which is used freely and brings elegance to the finished wines. The intensely fruited and peppery wines of Cote-Rotie are capable of long ageing and will develop sophisticated leathery, gamey aromas as they mature. Though not often cheap, the Syrah from Cote-Rotie is easily some of the best in the world.
