Definition: Côte-Rôtie AOC

Northern Côtes du Rhône region. Production area located within the municipalities of Ampuis, Saint-Cyr-sur-Le-Rhône, Tupin and Semons in the Rhône department, on the right bank of the river of the same name, about eight kilometres south-west of Vienne. Area under production: just under 200 hectares. White grape varieties: Viognier limited to a maximum of 20%; black: Syrah for a minimum of 80%. Vinified as: red only. It can be kept for 5 to 15 years depending on the terroir and vintage. Ideal serving temperature: between 16 and 18°C. Enjoy with meat in a slightly spicy sauce, tournedos with grapes, flambéed woodcock, duckling stew, veal sweetbreads with truffles or to accompany a Condrieu rigotte cheese.

A jewel of the Rhône Valley:

Syrah, which reigns supreme on the banks of the Rhône Valley, counts among its crown jewels a 230-hectare vineyard that is particularly cherished by wine lovers today: Côte Rôtie.

This appellation steeped in history (the vines were planted there by the Romans) has come close to disappearing on several occasions: attacks by phylloxera, economic crises and the temptation of fruit crops considered more lucrative have ultimately failed to overcome this vineyard, which clings firmly to the vertiginous slopes of the Brune and Blonde hillsides. Now sought after all over the world, its powerful, tannic and smooth wines are, to the delight of wine lovers, currently very well represented in wine lists. Beyond the legendary productions of the Guigal estate with its famous La Mouline, La Landonne and La Turque vintages, the simply exceptional array of producers and vintages is really worth a detour!

Leaving LYON, follow the course of the Rhône and you will discover, around a bend in the river, the northernmost of the Rhône vineyards, and the most extraordinary in terms of the verticality of its slopes. Stop at Ampuis and take a walk along the steep slopes, which is both healthy and instructive. You will climb the numerous Cheys (walls), some of which date back to Roman times, which support the soil that nourishes the Syrah and Viognier grapes.

As you wipe the sweat from your brow, you will be convinced that the name Côte-Rôtie (roasted hillside) is perfectly suited to these sun-scorched slopes. Nowhere else is it better understood that wine and vines are a matter of man, faith and willpower. The winegrowers of this appellation are grouped together in the Côte-Rôtie Winegrowers' Union in Ampuis.