This week, our next installment of our "Discover an Appellation with Philippe's" presents one of the most prestigious names in the wine world, Côte-Rôtie.
It is located in the northern part of the Côtes-du-Rhône region, on the right bank of the river, about 30 miles south of Lyon. The wine is made with mostly Syrah with up to 20% Viognier being allowed in the mix. It is one of France's oldest vineyards and was greatly developed by the Romans. The first accurate written documents concerning Ampuis and Côte-Rôtie go back to the 6th century. Côte-Rôtie became an A.O.C. - Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée - in 1940. Legend has it that in the 16th century, Marquis Maugiron had two daughters, one blonde and the other brunette. Each received a dowry of half his vineyard slopes, and so the Côte Blonde and Côte Brune were born.
An extreme act of nature, Côte-Rôtie is characterized first and foremost by its steep slopes - some may exceed 60% - with terrasses. More than 100 winemakers produce wines in the appellation which spreads over three communes, Saint-Cyr sur Rhône, Ampuis, and Tupin-Semons.
A wine built to age, it is generally wise to keep your Côte-Rôtie between 5 and 15 years before opening it.
For the gourmets, a bottle of Côte-Rôtie will be perfect with a leg of lamb with chanterelle mushrooms, filet mignon, or roasted pheasant with truffles.
Wines offered today:
2001 Patrick Jasmin Côte-Rôtie
7-8% of Viognier was added to the blend. Well-delineated with floral and raspberry/cherry fruit components, this medium-bodied wine is not a blockbuster but will win you over with its delicacy and finesse.
Reg Price: $39.99 - Discovery Price: $34.00
2004 Patrick Jasmin Côte-Rôtie
Balanced, but lighter-bodied. It displays cherry notes complemented with hints of tea, spice, and sandalwood.
Reg Price: $39.99 - Discovery Price: $34.00
2006 Georges Vernay Côte-Rôtie Blonde du Seigneur
Finely etched red and dark berry, floral, herbal, and mineral aromas, plus a slow-building anise quality. Tangy and focused, offering sweet raspberry and blueberry flavors and showing no obvious tannins. Finishes lush and creamy, but with a jolt of zesty minerals adding vivacity and cut. Extremely fresh and delicious right now.
Reg Price: $64.99 - Discovery Price: $58.00
2004 René Rostaing Côte-Rôtie
Spicy, energetic red fruit aromas are precise, and mineral-driven. Juicy, open-knit raspberry and cherry flavors are supported by delicate tannins. This very pure wine drinks quite well right now.
Reg Price: $79.99 - Discovery Price: $71.00
2006 René Rostaing Côte-Rôtie
Deep red with a bright rim. Spicy raspberry and red licorice aromas are complicated by smoky minerals and fresh flowers. Sweet red and dark berry flavors possess very good depth and definition, with subtle anise, mineral, and candied floral qualities building with air. The clean finish offers a brisk bite of cracked pepper, along with repeated dark berry notes. Very seductive wine, with no gaminess and wonderful energy.
Reg Price: $64.99 - Discovery Price: $58.00
2006 Saint Cosme Côte-Rôtie
Raspberry, cherry, violets, and minerals in the nose, plus an undercurrent of smoky minerals. The smokiness repeats on the palate, adding complexity to the sweet red and dark berry flavors. Cracked pepper and sweet floral pastille notes linger on the finish, which is admirably pure and persistent. According to Barruol, this contains lots of "Côte Brune fruit."
Reg Price: $79.99 - Discovery Price: $70.00
2007 Saint Cosme Côte-Rôtie
Sexy aromas of Asian spice, blackberry, graphite, and cracked pepper. Silky in texture, with medium-bodied dark berry and cherry flavors and a kick of black pepper. Turns spicier on the focused, persistent finish with very good lift and minerality.
Reg Price: $79.99 - Discovery Price: $70.00
2009 Saint Cosme Côte-Rôtie
The dense 2009 possesses great acid, with loads of tapenade, black raspberry, and smoky lard/bacon fat notes. Its outstanding texture, full-bodied mouthfeel, and terrific finish all suggest a wine that should drink well for 10-15 years.
Reg Price: $70.99 - Discovery Price: $63.00
2007 Tardieu-Laurent Côte-Rôtie
Shows lots of leafy tobacco and olive aromas, along with supple black cherry, incense and humus notes. The slightly edgy finish has a roasted hint.
Reg Price: $94.99 - Discovery Price: $85.00
Please email christophe@philippeswinecellar.com if you wish to purchase any wine featured in this latest "Discover an Appellation."
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