Côte Rôtie „Côteaux de Bassenon“ AOC 2022

Wine Description for Côte Rôtie „Côteaux de Bassenon“ AOC 2022 from Maison Stephan

Colour & Appearance

Deep purple with violet reflections and a black core – a visual promise of concentration and elegance in equal measure.

Nose

Here reveals itself the fascinating duality of this Côte Rôtie: The 20% Viognier lends the wine an intoxicatingly fragrant character with citrus notes, floral aromas and stone fruit. These are joined by violet fruit, violets and clove. With increasing aeration, darker facets develop of sloe, charcoal and leather, without the wine losing its airy freshness. The oak remains discreet in the background – a sign of respectful ageing.

Palate

On the palate, the Côteaux de Bassenon unfolds its true greatness. A vibrant acidity and strikingly fine tannins form the backbone, whilst a deep minerality underscores the origin from the granite and migmatite terroir. The flavour palette is impressively multifaceted: violet pastilles, juniper, roses, bresaola and clove alternate. The violet fruit displays remarkable depth and density, whilst the wine is simultaneously characterised by refreshing energy and juicy drinking flow – a fascinating balancing act.

Finish

Long, precise and sustained by persistent minerality. The fine tannins and vibrant acidity structure promise excellent ageing potential.

Terroir & Origin

The vines are rooted in steep slopes on migmatite, granite and biotite – ancient soils that lend the wine its characteristic minerality. The vineyard was planted in 1896 and replanted in 1989. With extreme yields of only 15-20 hl/ha, wines of extraordinary concentration are produced.

Grape Variety & Vinification

An unusual blend of 40% Serine, 40% Syrah and 20% Viognier. Vinification follows the principles of Jules Chauvet with cool 24-hour pre-fermentation maceration and carbonic maceration over 20 days. Ageing takes place for 24 months in old Tronçais oak tonneaux. Unfiltered, unfined and only minimally sulphited.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Game dishes, venison loin with lingonberries, braised lamb shoulder, duck breast with cherry sauce, aged Comté or air-dried cured meats such as the bresaola that resonates in the wine.

Special Features

An authentic, artisanally produced Côte Rôtie that bridges tradition and modernity. The combination of vines over 120 years old with natural vinification results in a wine of rare expressiveness and drinking pleasure.