Côte Rôtie AOC 2016

Wine description for the Côte Rôtie AOC 2016 from Maison Stephan

Colour & appearance

Sparkling, almost impenetrable purple with violet reflections - a wine that reveals its youth and concentration in the glass.

Nose

This 2016 impresses with its remarkable purity and depth. Intense dark berry flavours of Blueberry, Elderberry and blackcurrant combine with the wild freshness of Mint, Eucalyptus and Stinging nettle. The co-fermentation with 10% Viognier gives the wine floral notes of Violets and Elderflowerwhich emphasise its elegant, almost feminine character. Despite its impressive density, the nose is surprisingly youthful and unadorned.

Palate

On the palate, Maison Stephan's purist signature is evident in all its consistency. The wine presents itself with an immediacy and authenticity reminiscent of barrel samples - unfiltered, unadorned, radically honest. Velvety, fine-grained tannins structure the slender yet juicy body. A precise acidity guides the ripe dark berry fruit with captivating clarity. Despite its concentration and length, this Côte-Rôtie is remarkably light-footed. The wine is still in a very youthful stage and will clearly benefit from further bottle ageing.

General information

The grapes come from four plots on two hectares of steep slopes: 10% from the mica schist Côte Brune in Verenay, 90% from the Côte Blonde with gneiss, sand and limestone soils. Organic cultivation since 1991, minimum yield of 22 hl/ha. Cold carbonic maceration over 20 days with stems, ageing half in used wood and half in stainless steel. Neither fined nor filtered, minimal sulphurisation.

Food pairing suggestions

To Venison medallions with dried plums and balsamic jus, Pigeon with sour cherry compote and rosemary polenta or as a vegetarian variant with Warm smoked beetroot on rocket with caramelised walnuts.

Special features

An exemplary representative of purist, natural viticulture. Recommendation: Mature in the cellar for at least 1-2 years for optimum enjoyment.