Northern Rhône

Côte-Rôtie

Côte-Rôtie ‘The Roasted Slope’ is often compared to Burgundy for it’s detailed vineyard breakdown. Like Burgundy we see dramatic differences in the wines from vineyard to vineyard.

It is, however, a much warmer climate and better suited to its region varieties, Syrah and Viognier.

First Records of Wine Production

The earliest record of viticulture in the region dates to the 2nd century BC when the Romans first encountered the Allobroges tribe whose territory included the regions around Vienne. While winemaking continued to have a long history in the region, the Côte-Rôtie did not receive much recognition until the 18th century when Parisians began discovering the wines of Beaujolais and Rhône.

Production

Until a few decades ago, Côte-Rôtie was not a serious competitor to Hermitage, which was the best-known northern Rhône vineyard internationally. Demand for Rhône wines began to grow in the early 1970s, and this growth accelerated from the late 1970s/early 1980s. For Côte-Rôtie it was the wines of Marcel Guigal which gave the appellation increased attention from the early 1980s. This included top marks from international wine critics for Guigal’s wines La Mouline and La Landonne. This increase in demand led to new vineyards being created. From 1982 to 2005, the area with planted vines increased from 102 hectares (250 acres) to 231 hectares (570 acres).

Most Common Varieties

The red, Syrah AKA Shiraz, and white, Viognier.

Winemaking

The blending of Shiraz and the white grape Viognier originated in Côte-Rôtie. The interplay between the two varieties is truly something special.

The 100% Syrah wines of the region can be equally compelling.

It’s permitted to add up to 20% Viognier to the red wines of Côte Rôtie.

Co-fermenting rather than blending finished wines simply results in greater harmony and expression.

The colour of the wine becomes darker as a scientific phenomenon known as co-pigmentation occurs, small compounds from the Viognier stabilises the large colour compounds from the Shiraz.

Perfume, flowers, and, spice from the Viognier adding intrigue to the aroma. Making it so much more inviting!

Those aromas carry through to the palate where the last bit of magic happens. The tannins develop differently to 100% Shiraz wines, beautifully refined, and, silky they offer a wonderful feeling in your mouth. mouthfeel.

Tim Kirk from Clonkilla was kindly sent me a mixed case, including some experimental wines not for release. In it, 3 wines, 100% Viognier, 100% Shiraz, the components of his Shiraz Viognier, and, the Shiraz Viognier itself. A fascinating tasting, you could see how each of the component wines contributed to the blend. The blend just had something extra. This is the result of fermenting the red grapes of Shiraz with the white Viognier. The chemical soup that exists during fermentation ends up coming together to be greater than the sum of its parts.

In Côte-Rôtie the vineyards are mixed plantings with Viognier vines next to Shiraz, all picked at the same time. The proportion of Viognier ranging from none up to 10-12%.


Stéphane Ogier's 2015 Lieux-Dits Release!


Last Bottles – Go to Your Happy Place!



Stéphane Ogier Selection de Lieux-dits 2015 Map
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Filters & Sorting

Showing all 6 results

Wines of Presence

Stéphane Ogier Côte-Rôtie Mon Village 2018

Shiraz/Syrah | Côte-Rôtie, France

Fresh dark berries, potpourri, olive, exotic spices and smoky bacon on the highly perfumed nose. Juicy, penetrating blackberry, cherry liqueur and candied violet flavors show fine delineation and a spine of juicy acidity. Subtly chewy tannins add grip to an impressively persistent, mineral- and spice-driven finish that strongly echoes the cherry and floral notes. Josh Raynolds, Vinous
$152
$145ea in any 3+
$138ea in any 6+
Museum Release

François Villard Côte-Rôtie ‘Gallet Blanc’ 2016

Shiraz/Syrah | Côte-Rôtie, France

Côte-Rôtie with incredible energy, definition, and intrigue. So many layers of pleasure. François is making stunning wine. From a 20 year old chef to a vigneron with over 30 years experience his wine wisdom shows. Stylistically you'll find great density in his Côte-Rôtie with fruit from the Northen half, the Côte-Brune coming from several Lieux Dits. The Côte-Brune is known to produce more masculine wines that the Côte-Blonde. The 2016 vintage shows a lovely, Classic, balance amongst the
$164
$157ea in any 3+
$150ea in any 6+

François Villard Côte-Rôtie ‘Gallet Blanc’ 2020

Shiraz/Syrah | Côte-Rôtie, France

Côte-Rôtie with incredible energy, definition, and intrigue. So many layers of pleasure. Personality+ this calls: Drink Me! Drink Me! Perfectly balanced, harmonious, seamless. It draws you in. Exceptional line and length and the tannins are so long, fine and even. Red and dark fruit a little licorice. So fine. Incredible complex savoury roasted barbecued vegetables & a line of earthiness. Perfume of Violets so long. A tiny splash of Viognier. This is exceptional. Would make a fantastic com
$178
$171ea in any 3+
$164ea in any 6+
"The 2016 Cote Rotie la Viaillere boasts delicate, almost dainty aromas of flowers, strengthened by stemmy notes and hints of olive and raspberry. It's medium to full-bodied, with a wiry, tannic strength that builds through the concentrated core of the wine and onto the long finish, yet it remains silky around the edges, suggesting reasonably early drinkability" Joe C.
Burgundy meets Côte-Rôtie
Côte-Rôtie is often compared to Burgundy for it's detailed vineyard breakdown. Like Burgundy we see dramatic differences in the wines from vineyard to vineyard. Stéphane has a great number of lieux-dits that he works with through the Côte-Blonde (southern part of Côte-Rôtie) and Côte-Brune (northern part of Côte-Rôtie). Stéphane makes wines of greater energy and vibrancy, always on the fresher end of the spectrum. La Belle Hélène from Côte Rozier, a parcel of Stéphane's oldes
$890
$870ea in any 3+
$850ea in any 6+
Burgundy meets Côte-Rôtie
Côte-Rôtie is often compared to Burgundy for it's detailed vineyard breakdown. Like Burgundy we see dramatic differences in the wines from vineyard to vineyard. Stéphane has a great number of lieux-dits that he works with through the Côte-Blonde (southern part of Côte-Rôtie) and Côte-Brune (northern part of Côte-Rôtie). Stéphane makes wines of greater energy and vibrancy, always on the fresher end of the spectrum. La Belle Hélène from Côte Rozier, a parcel of Stéphane's oldes
$1,035
$1015ea in any 3+
$995ea in any 6+