Serious hills for Serious wines : Côte Rôtie and Condrieu

By a beautiful summer day I went on a trip in the north of Rhone Valley. And more specifically in Côte-Rôtie and is neighbor in white Condrieu.

It’s one of the most beautiful vineyards I’ve seen for the moment. The Rhône dig a deep valley a long time ago and now on his right bank you can found one of the most prestigious vineyard, characterized by the very steep hill. Those hills full of vine, remember me sometimes the Valais Vineyard in Switzerland but with a warmer climate.

Here you can see and feel that no machine can work on those vines. All agricultural work has to be done by hand. Does this give a better wine ? I don’t know but I’m sure it helps. Soil are less tamp down so vine roots can breathe better and much more care is give to the grape because of the hand work. Syrah and Viognier are resident from this area, both of them are present in the Côte Rôtie appellation and Viognier is the king of Condrieu.

That’s it for the tourist part. Now, let’s talk about the serious thing: The Wine !!

AOC Côte-Rôtie “Frucus Voluptas” 2007 Domaine Jamet
The color is deep purple like ink. On the nose, it’s an explosion of flavor: black fruit (bilberry and blackberry) with a hint of pepper maybe black and green pepper exactly. When you put that wine in your mouth, it fill your mouth with it intensity, still the fruity aromas but it’s deeper and last for long.

AOC Condrieu Côteaux du Vernon 2008 Domaine Georges Vernay
A very pale yellow dress. The nose is typical from the wine of Condrieu, limetree and honeysuckle fragrance white peach at the end. Then the palate is smooth, round and a big mineral taste is present. It gives freshness and balance to the wine. The final is very persistent.