Côte-Rotie “Tupin’s” 2023

Wine description for Côte-Rotie “Tupin’s” 2023 by Du Coulet

Character

Matthieu Barret brings the same uncompromising approach that defines his Cornas wines to the steep slopes of Côte-Rôtie. The Tupin’s 2023 presents Syrah in its pure, unadorned form: dark berry fruit, floral notes of violet, and the spicy depth that distinguishes great Northern Rhône wines. The texture remains taut and precise, without any heaviness. A wine that does not conceal its origins but expresses them with quiet confidence.

Terroir & Origin

Côte-Rôtie lies at the northern edge of the Rhône, where Syrah grows on extremely steep terraces. Barret, whose Domaine du Coulet in Cornas has existed for generations, works here with the same respect for the bedrock: his Cornas parcels rest on granite rock, with vines planted on south-facing terraces. This experience with extreme vineyard sites and poor soil structure shapes his approach in Côte-Rôtie. The region itself is defined by terraced slopes that are arduous to cultivate – a terroir that yields Syrah of particular intensity and structure.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Syrah is the only red grape variety permitted in Côte-Rôtie and reaches its northernmost expression in France here. Barret vinifies according to the same principles as in Cornas: biodynamic farming, Demeter-certified since 2002, no barriques since 2017. Instead, his wines mature in concrete tanks, preserving the fruit in its purest form. Whole-bunch fermentation with wild yeasts, minimal sulphur added only at bottling, no fining, no filtration. The vines in Cornas are between 40 and 55 years old, with yields of just 23 hectolitres per hectare – figures that speak of concentration and restraint.

Food Pairings

The spicy depth and taut structure of this Syrah call for dishes with substance yet without heaviness. Rack of lamb with rosemary and olives finds an equal partner here, as does duck breast with black cherries or beef tartare with capers. Mushroom dishes, such as porcini risotto, also complement its earthy notes. For something simpler: mature hard cheese and black olive bread are more than sufficient.