Côte Rôtie „Côteaux de Bassenon“ AOC 2018

Wine Description for Côte Rôtie „Côteaux de Bassenon“ AOC 2018 from Maison Stephan

Colour & Appearance

An almost impenetrable black-red, maintaining its colour intensity right to the rim – a visual statement that already announces the concentration of this wine.

Nose

Powerful and uncompromising, this Côte Rôtie presents itself with impressive aromatic depth. Sloe, blackcurrants and elderberries form the dark fruit foundation, whilst tar, dark tobacco and charcoal add a smoky, almost mineral dimension. With aeration, a fascinating complexity unfolds: black bread, truffle, liquorice and freshly brewed espresso create an aromatic spectrum that invites contemplation.

Palate

This wine takes no prisoners. The attack is direct and powerful, with vibrant acidity and a youthfully taut tannic structure that doesn’t deny its origins from vines over 120 years old. The earthy, distinctive structure clearly signals: there is still enormous development potential ahead. A wine of impressive substance that demands rustic grandeur in the kitchen.

Finish

Long, persistent and carried by a pleasant bitterness reminiscent of dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans. The tannins grip firmly and leave a lasting impression.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from the Côteaux de Bassenon, a terroir with dark mimatite and magnesium-iron mica, which gives this wine its mineral precision and depth. The Northern Rhône shows itself here at its most archaic and concentrated.

Grape Variety & Vinification

A cuvée of 90% Syrah (vintages 1896 and 1902), complemented by 10% Viognier and Serine (Durif). After 24 months‘ ageing in small oak barrels, the wine was bottled unfiltered and without additional sulphur – a purist approach that preserves the authenticity of the terroir.

Food Pairing Recommendations

This wine demands classic French haute cuisine: Pheasant Souvaroff with foie gras and black truffle, saddle of hare with Sauce Rouennaise, or even a mature Saint-Marcellin with dried plums. Game dishes with dark sauces provide the perfect stage.

Special Features

A wine from pre-phylloxera vines that embodies the essence of traditional Côte Rôtie. Patience will be rewarded – this 2018 has at least a decade of development potential ahead of it.