Focus on the Côte Rôtie appellation in Rhône Valley, with La Chatillonne wine cuvée by Vidal-Fleury

Following our previous topic about Vidal-Fleury (more to read here), introducing the various wines from this. Let’s pursue our immersion into the Rhône Valley with a sensory journey in the heart of the Rhodanian vineyards. Therefore, the Vidal-Fleury house proposes a prestigious plot vintage, better known under the Côte Rôtie La Chatillonne reference (cover photo credits: Céline Vautey).

This exceptional wine is rooted in the steep hills of the Rhône, embodying the very essence of wine elegance. Nestled in the north of the Rhône valley, this prestigious wine takes its name from the Côte Rôtie region, famous for its steep slopes, its unique terroir and its millennia-old wine history. We invite you to have a further look about the various facets and millesimes from this noble and delicious red wine. By AP

As a reminder, the Maison Vidal-Fleury benefits from one of the widest wine ranges in the Rhône Valley, with no less than twenty appellations in red, white and rosé wines. Among this large choice, you can be sure to find some treasures, like the Côte Rôtie which is internationally acclaimed for its great juices (photo credits: Vidal-Fleury).

Located a few kilometers south of the city of Vienne, the vines from the Côte Rôtie cling to the very steep slopes of the Côte Brune and the Côte Blonde, on the right bank of the Rhône river. If a difference is made between Côte Brune and Côte Blonde, it can be explained by the nature and color of the surrounding soils.

However, those two coasts have in common vineyards which are spread out on tiny terraces bordered by low walls. The appellation only produces red wines made mainly from syrah with which viognier grape varieties, which are associated. By the way, the Côte-Rôtie is also the only red wine appellation in the northern part of those Côtes du Rhône to be able to plant viognier with syrah, a white grape variety which gives syrah finesse and aroma.

In Côte-Rôtie, there are two very distinct terroirs, starting from the northern side embodied by the Côte Brune, extending over terraced soils and very steep hillsides. This territory counts a brown clay-based soil with a lot of iron oxide, occurring the production of full-bodied and long-lasting wines. The Côte Blonde has its soils which are thinned by chalk, allowing those selected wines to become lighter and more tender, time after time

The vines flourish in a so-called micro Lyon climate, perfectly combining the local notions of heat and sun (hence recalling the “Rôtie”) of the Mediterranean climate, with the freshness and humidity provided throughout the year by continental climate‘s influences. 

At this occasion, we invite you to discover the recent 2020 vintage from the Côte-Rôtie Brune & Blonde by Vidal-Fleury. Loyal to the principles from this Appellation of Origin, dating back from 1940, as one of the oldest vineyards in France and present in the Vidal-Fleury range since 1781, this dry red wine is perfect for keeping (up to 15 years potential).  

This rare and very remarkable wine displays an incomparable balance, thanks to traditional maceration of 3 weeks, before an aging on lees during 2 years in barrels, leading to a carmine red appearance. The result is an intense and very complex nose, emerging some fresh fruity notes of violet flower, pepper and even black olive. On the palate, be ready for blackcurrant and spices sensations, offering a supple, rich and full impression of freshness with a very straight persistence in terms of aromas and structure. Perfect to be associated with traditional French dishes.

More details about this cuvée on the official website.

In another side, La Chatillonne is cultivated at the northern limit of the Côte Blonde, where is colder than the other blondes. Indeed, this is The plot vintage proposed by Vidal-Fleury, once again highlighting the syrah grape variety. This noble grape variety, cultivated with passion by local winegrowers, expresses all its complexity under the influence of its surrounding granite terroir.

As a certain incarnation from the art of winemaking, this dry red wine is dedicated for a long aging potential, due to more tannic grapes, combining with the original aromatic complexity characteristic of the Côte Blonde. That’s why the personality of this Côte-Rôtie La Chatillonne is easily recognizable, while tasting it. Thus, from the moment this wine is vinified, it remains very aromatic. 

The mineral nuances of the soil, plus the exposure to the Mediterranean sun, completed by a manual harvest, a symbol of respect for the fruit, is followed by meticulous vinification. In fact, the Vidal-Fleury winegrowers pay a particular attention to aging this precious juice in oak barrels, allowing this wine to develop a characteristic depth but also fruity aromas, while preserving its inner delicate balance.

From the first glance, the last 2017 vintage of the Côte Rôtie La Chatillonne seduces with its deep red color, announcing a captivating sensory journey. Its intense and complex fragrance of blackcurrant, pepper, cinnamon, and even tobacco contrasts with its unctuous and fresh palate of cherry, spices and violet flower notes. After an aging on lees and 4 years in barrels, the final bottles enjoy a rest of 6 months before being sold. An ideal red wine, with a keeping potential of 20 years, to match with fine cheeses, after being transferred in decanter during 2 hours prior serving.

More details about this cuvée on the official website.

Vidal-Fleury, 48 Route de Lyon, 69420 Tupin-et-Semons (France) / Phone : 00 33 (0)4 74 56 10 18. More information about cellar visits and wines on their official website.