Côte-Rôtie

Red Wines from the Côte-Rôtie AOC

Côte-Rôtie is one of the most prestigious appellations in the Northern Rhône Valley, renowned for its exceptional red wines.

The vineyard stretches across the Côte Brune to the north and the Côte Blonde to the south. Syrah reigns supreme here, sometimes complemented by up to 20% Viognier. The resulting wines are distinguished by their deep ruby hue and complex aromas blending dark fruits, spices, and floral notes.

Our selection highlights the finest estates of the appellation, whose wines embody the perfect balance of power and finesse characteristic of Côte-Rôtie’s greatest crus.

A Unique Terroir in the Rhône Valley

Côte-Rôtie is the oldest vineyard in the Rhône Valley, with historical evidence dating back to the 6th century AD. The steep slopes demand meticulous manual work on narrow terraces. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, tempered by the coolness and humidity typical of Lyon’s weather.

The AOC Côte-Rôtie vineyards are spread across two geologically distinct terroirs: the Côte Brune and the Côte Blonde.

Côte Brune: Power and Structure

Located north of the Reynard stream, the Côte Brune is defined by its iron-rich mica schist soils. This darker earth gives the wines a robust tannic structure and a deep ruby color, emblematic of the area. The steep, terraced slopes—composed of clay and iron oxide—produce full-bodied, structured wines with excellent aging potential. Wines from the Côte Brune are known for their depth and intensity, with a more pronounced tannic backbone than their Côte Blonde counterparts.

Côte Blonde: Finesse and Elegance

The chalky soils of the Côte Blonde yield more delicate red wines. This southern part of the vineyard, with its granite-based terrain, produces supple wines with silky tannins and a velvety texture.

The bouquet is complex, with floral notes and hints of red berries, a hallmark of the finest vintages from this area. These wines are generally more approachable in their youth than those from the Côte Brune and embody the natural elegance of the appellation’s most esteemed lieux-dits.

Grape Varieties of Côte-Rôtie

Syrah is the dominant grape in Côte-Rôtie wines. Viognier may be added to the blend, up to a maximum of 20%.

Syrah – The Dominant Red Grape

Native to the Northern Rhône Valley, Syrah thrives in the Côte-Rôtie’s terroir.

It gives the wines remarkable aromatic intensity, firm tannic structure, and dense mouthfeel. Syrah vines yield wines with a deep, almost black color, typical of the appellation’s finest reds. This chromatic intensity, combined with silky yet firm tannins, will appeal to lovers of bold red wines. On the palate, Syrah reveals a complex array of black fruit, spice, and violet aromas.

Viognier, a Complementary Grape

The inclusion of Viognier in Côte-Rôtie blends is a unique feature of Northern Rhône wines. This white grape contributes roundness and generosity to the reds, with its use capped at 20% by the appellation’s regulations.

This Syrah–Viognier blend, inherited from the Middle Ages, adds to the fame of the appellation. A new generation of winemakers continues this tradition across the vineyard’s 280 hectares today.

Wine Characteristics

With its deep color and complex bouquet of distinctive spice notes, Côte-Rôtie offers a profile that delights connoisseurs of bold, aromatic red wines.

Deep and Intense Ruby Color

The finest Côte-Rôtie wines display a deep ruby color with purplish highlights. This rich color reflects the perfect ripeness of grapes grown on the steep slopes, where viticulture is particularly challenging. Over time, the hue evolves into more brick-toned shades.

Complex and Refined Aromas

Côte-Rôtie’s excellence is fully expressed in its unique aromatic profile. The continental influences of the land, combined with generous sunshine, shape a bouquet of remarkable finesse.

On the nose, floral notes mingle with black pepper for a distinctive spicy touch. You’ll also find wild berry aromas typical of the appellation.

On the palate, the wine reveals a velvety texture and flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and blackcurrant, enhanced by spicy undertones.

When to Drink Côte-Rôtie

Côte-Rôtie wines age beautifully and can be cellared for 5 to 15 years after the vintage. A minimum of 4 years is recommended before opening, allowing the aromas to fully develop.

To best enjoy its richness, serve Côte-Rôtie at a temperature between 16°C and 18°C (60–64°F). Decanting for one to two hours before serving will help soften the tannins and allow the bouquet to open up harmoniously.

Best Food Pairings

To enhance the aromas and flavors of these Rhône reds, here are some dishes that pair beautifully with Côte-Rôtie wines.

Red Meat and Game

Known for their aromatic power, Côte-Rôtie wines elevate grilled red meats and game dishes. We recommend pairing them with a ribeye steak or côte de bœuf.

Braised dishes such as beef bourguignon or slow-cooked lamb shank also pair excellently with these wines. A leg of lamb seasoned with Provence herbs—an homage to the region south of Lyon—creates a harmonious match with the spicy notes of Syrah.

Aged Cheeses

Côte-Rôtie wines pair wonderfully with fine cheeses. Saint-Nectaire, with its creamy texture and earthy notes, is beautifully complemented by the wine’s velvety tannins. Rigotte du Forez, produced just south of the vineyard area, offers an exceptional local pairing. You can also enjoy Côte-Rôtie with Saint-Marcellin or Tête de Moine for refined, gourmet combinations.