The northernmost appellation of the Rhône Valley lies on the right bank (i.e., western side) of the Rhône River. Its vineyards face mainly southeast and are vertiginously steep; the terracing, and the use of stone walls to control erosion, is little different from when the Romans worked these hillsides. Côte-Rôtie is planted 95% to Syrah and 5% to the white Viognier, although up to 20% of the latter is allowed in the finished wine. Those who include some Viognier claim that it gives "lift" to the aromas and softens the palate feel of the wine.   More

The northernmost appellation of the Rhône Valley lies on the right bank (i.e., western side) of the Rhône River. Its vineyards face mainly southeast and are vertiginously steep; the terracing, and the use of stone walls to control erosion, is little different from when the Romans worked these hillsides. Côte-Rôtie is planted 95% to Syrah and 5% to the white Viognier, although up to 20% of the latter is allowed in the finished wine. Those who include some Viognier claim that it gives "lift" to the aromas and softens the palate feel of the wine.

Generally speaking, Côte-Rôtie is not a "bruiser" of a wine. It is more about finesse, particularly on the aromatic plane, where one can often detect floral perfumes, scents of violet and lavender.   Less