Origin
Côte-Rôtie is one of the greatest appellations of the Northern Rhône region. Syrah and, ironically, the white Viognier grape are the only varieties allowed to be grown in the area. Many producers chose to solely use Syrah, although they can include up to 20% Viognier in the blend (although few, if any, would use this amount), it is believed that the two sub-regions Côte Blonde and Côte Brune were named after the blonde and brown haired daughters of a local lord, each having very different personalities; likewise, the wines of each also have different characteristics.
Grape Variety
95% Syrah, 5% Viognier.
The grapes for this wine are sourced from the Les Rochains and Le Bourrier parcels, both in the Côte Brune area. Each batch is vinified seperately, aged for 18 months in oak barrels (30% new) and then blended before bottling to achieve balance and complexity.
Alcohol Percentage
12.5%
Cellar Potential
Drink now and over the next 5 years.
Producer
The François family have been traditional farmers for four generations, although are relative newcomers to wine production. Grapes were originally sent to the local negotiants, However their own Côte-Rôtie wines - first bottled in 1991 - were universally liked and very soon demand for their wines grew. Today, the selling of grapes is limited to the younger vines, leaving their older vines solely for the production of their own wine. The family have to handle difficult terrain on the typically steep slopes of the Côte-Rôtie - as a result grapes can only be hand harvested.
Food Match
Food match should not be too rich, but savoury – for example a simply cooked rack of new season’s lamb, or roast quail with chipolatas and pancetta.
Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
In the press
Gold - Decanter World Wine Award 2013
"Stunning scent - bursting with meaty, peppery aroma, violets, blackberries, spice and pretty generous vanilla oak too. On the palate, it's smooth and sophisticated, with neat tannins and bold acidity. This really could not be anything else - an absolute stalwart, and a welcome discovery for me." - Jancis Robinson MW, 17.5 points