Côte-Rôtie Wine Region

The Cote-Rotie wine area is a prominent wine district in the northern part of the Rhone wine region known for producing exceptional red wines. The term "Cote Rotie" means "roasted slope" in French, which well describes the area, these are one of the steepest slopes in Europe with inclinations up to 60 degrees, facing south and southeast for optimal ripening. The valley is stunning, and it is one of the world's most beautiful wine districts, plunging into the Rhone River. The wine area only produces Syrah-based red wines. These wines are well-known among wine enthusiasts for their texture, weight, and elegance, which are similar to Burgundy wines.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Cote-Rotie!

Where is the Cote-Rotie wine region?

The Cote-Rotie wine area is located in the northernmost portion of the Rhone Valley in southern France. The vineyard is located in the communes of Saint Cyr Sur le Rhone, Ampius, and Tupin et Semons, close south of the old Roman city of Vienna. Cote Rotie is Rhone's smallest wine appellation, located only 35 kilometers south of Lyon. Some of the best vineyards in the Cote Rotie wine region are Côte Brune, Côte Blonde, La Mouline, La Landonne, and La Turque which are situated just above Ampuis town.

History of the Cote-Rotie wine region

The Romans began settling in the Rhone valley in the second century and collaborated with the Allobroges tribe near Vienne. The Romans brought winemaking and viticulture, which helped to establish the wine-growing sector throughout the Rhone, including the Cote Rotie. The region's wines rose to prominence only in the 18th century, when Parisians began investigating the wines of Beaujolais and Rhone. The British also began acquiring Cote Rotie wines through John Hervey, the 1st Earl of Bristol. Instead of casks, the wines were transported in amphora-like vases. Most of the vineyards were wiped out due to phylloxera infestation which was only recovered during the mid-1940s. The demand for these high-quality wines increased dramatically in the late twentieth century, as their ratings skyrocketed in the worldwide wine market.

The terroir and geography of the Cote-Rotie wine region

Unlike the Mediterranean climate of the southern Rhone, the Cote-Rotie wine area has a continental climate, with summers being dry and hot and winters being damp, with mistral winds blowing through the region until April. The morning fog and mistral wind blow across the vineyards, making vine growing difficult in the region. The south and south-facing hills promote maximum grape ripening, which is evident in the wines. The region's topography is separated into Cote Brune and Cote Blonde. Cote Brune is the northern territory just above Ampius characterized by its iron-rich dark-brown soil. Cote Blonde's soil is made up of light granite and schist. The region's slopes are among the steepest in Europe, making erosion a common hazard. To address this issue, most vineyards on the slopes are terraced.

Popular grape varieties from the Cote-Rotie wine region

Syrah is the primary grape varietal of the Cote Rotie wine area. The wine area mostly produces single-grape Syrah wines, although the law permits up to 20% Viognier, a white varietal, mixing. Before fermentation, viognier must be co-fermented or combined together. Wineries rarely blend this white varietal because they prefer to produce 100% Syrah wines. The wines produced in Cote Brune and Cote Blonde differ significantly due to soil differences. Cote Blonde wines are lighter, fruitier, and best when consumed young.

Food to pair with Cote-Rotie wine 

Steak au poivre

Steak au poivre is another classic French dish that became popular in the mid-twentieth century. Beef steak is coated with crushed peppercorns before being seared in a hot skillet with butter. The coarsely cracked peppercorn adds a distinct pungent flavor to the steak. The steak is frequently served with cognac sauce or peppercorn sauce, as well as mashed potatoes and Pommes Frites. Since its invention in 1930, steak au poivre has remained a staple of traditional French cuisine. This meaty dish with a peppercorn kick complements the Cabardes wine region's unique red wines.

Terrine

Terrine is a traditional French appetizer made of coarsely chopped meat formed into a meatloaf shape. Terrine is a type of earthenware mold used to cook this dish. Nowadays, there are many different styles of cooking this savory dish with various types of meat and vegetables. Goose, duck liver, pork, deer, or boar are the most popular meats for this dish. The meat is marinated in herbs and wine overnight. The dish is served cold or at room temperature, with a selection of side dishes. Terrine has evolved from a hearty dish for French peasants to an elegant appetizer served in fine dining establishments. Enjoy this delicious appetizer while sampling wines from the Cabardes wine region.

Shawarma

Shawarma is one of the most popular Middle Eastern foods. It dates back to the Ottoman Empire and can be made with lamb, turkey, chicken, beef, or a mixture of any of these. After marination, the dish is gently cooked and often basted in its own juices and fat. Meat is typically marinated for at least 24 hours before cooking, and in the case of beef, for up to 48 hours. The roasted meat is cut into slices and stacked in a cone shape before being placed on a vertical rotisserie that rotates slowly. The slices are shaved off the cone's baked surface and presented. This dish has become a popular street food in the Middle East, particularly in Egypt, Iraq, and the Levant.

Places to visit in the Cote-Rotie wine region

Pilat Natural Regional Park

Straddling the Rhone and Loire in Southeastern France, the Pilat Natural Regional park is spread across 72000 hectares and is a protected area. The topology is mostly mountainous in a countryside setting at an altitude ranging from 140-1432 meters above sea level. The park encompasses around 47 communes. The park was designated a regional natural park in 1974. This is one of the popular places among locals as well as tourists. If you are a nature lover, visit this amazing mountainous park and indulge in the culture of the Rhone region. 

Hundertwasser House Vienna - Vienna’s Most Unique House

The Hundertwasser House in Vienna is widely regarded as the most unusual house and apartment unit in the city. Friedensreich Hundertwasser, a well-known architect, designed the house. Hundertwasser was regarded as a renegade architect throughout his lifetime. His interest was in free-form architecture, devoid of straight lines and cultural standards. For those who love distinctive architecture, the Hundertwasser House is a masterpiece. It is only visible from the outside to anyone visiting the residence. The area around the house has been pedestrianized, complete with fountains and seats. This is a great place to unwind and enjoy the building's intriguing architecture and design.

Frequently asked questions about Cote-Rotie