Côte-Rôtie

Côte-Rôtie is an appellation in France's Northern Rhône that takes its name ("roasted slope") from its terrain of steep, open slopes which grab every drop of sunlight they can to achieve ripeness. Despite its name, the region itself is a rather cool climate, and it is here where the Syrah grape can be its most Burgundian in terms of delicacy and finesse. There are many different soils, as in Burgundy, and they all contribute to different styles of wine. This appellation is famous for its single vineyards, each of them giving a special expression to the wines. Overall the wines of this region are known to be floral and elgant, but also full of meat and earth notes, combined with beautiful fruit and a sensual texture. Côte-Rôtie is held by many Syrah lovers as a pinnacle in terms of purity of varietal expression.