Country: France Region: Northern Rhone Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Syrah/Shiraz and Blends Category: Red Wine Color: Red
Producer: Maison Les Alexandrins
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Description
History has it that vines were planted here centuries ago. Two thousand years ago the Latin authors Martial, Pline l’Ancien, Columelle and Plutarque called the wine from Côte Rôtie “Vin Viennois”. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the reputation of the wines from Ampuis just grew bigger. Before the revolution wines from Côte Rôtie were sent to Royal tables around the world; England, Russia, Prussia and France. The vineyard reached its peak in 1890. Every inch of sunny hillside was planted with vines. At this time, the outbreaks of Phyloxera and other diseases didn’t demotivate the winegrowers. Unfortunately World War One will ruin all their efforts. Over 150 men were sent to war and the vineyards were abandoned. It is only in the sixties that the vineyard was attended again.
Terroir
The vineyard of Côte Rôtie is located on the hills of the right bank of the Rhône river. Some of the slopes exceed 60%. The vineyard is located at an altitude ranging between 180 and 325 metres and is composed of 73 localities.
The main stone is granite covered in places by schist but also sand and calcareous soils.
For the most part, our wine comes from the southern part of the appellation; Côte Blonde and Coteau de Tupin. We wished to make wines with great distinction but also with elegance and finesse rather than wines from the north that tend to be harder and more powerful.
The vintage
In 2018, we were lucky to have another very good vintage in the Northern Rhône Valley. A generous and qualitative crop despite major climatic hazards that required the greatest attention.
Situation
The vineyard of Côte Rôtie is located on the hills of the right bank of the Rhône river to the north and south of the village of Ampuis. Some of the slopes exceed 60%. The vineyard is located at an altitude ranging between 180 and 325 metres and is composed of 73 different localities.
Process
Maceration and fermentation for about 20 days with pumping-over for the first few days followed by punching-down. Ageing in 1-year-old barrels for 15 months.
Varietals
Syrah : 98%
Viognier : 2%
Winemaker: Marc Perrin & Nicolas Jaboulet
Vineyards:
The vineyard of Côte Rôtie is located on the hills of the right bank of the Rhône river. Some of the slopes exceed 60%. The vineyard is located at an altitude ranging between 180 and 325 metres and is composed of 73 localities. The main stone is granite covered in places by schist but also sand and calcareous soils. The wine is made from grapes primarily sourced from the southern part of the appellation; Côte Blonde and Côteau de Tupin.
Vinification:
The grapes are cold-macerated before being fermented to increase the aromas of fruit. Maceration and fermentation for about 20 days with pumping-over for the first few days followed by punching-down. The wine was aged in one year old oak barrels for 15 months.
Tasting Notes:
The dark colour of this wine hints of its good concentration. The nose, initially restrained, opens up to intense aromas of black fruit and spices. The palate is silky and elegant with a lively finish, indicative of its ageing potential.
Food Suggestion: Slow roasted lamb is a great match for this wine.
Closure: Natural Cork ABV:13% Classification: AOP Acidity [g/l]: 5.6