Cote Rotie 2006 - Yves Cuilleron

Its a cold Tuesday night in Paris. We needed something to warm ourselves on and we decided to go south, to the top bit of the Rhone valley where they grow delicate Syrah grapes. Cote Rotie, the most northernly appelation in Rhone on the west side of the river where the Syrah grape is planted on steep steep hills made of schist and gneiss.

The area is close to the wonderful white wine of Condrieu and up to 15% of the Viognier grape can be used in the wine as well.

Yves Cuilleron, a dynamic passionate wine producer, has established himself here over the last 20 years with some very good and vibrant wines. Our favourites are the Condrieu (incl the new sweet one) but he also makes great Cote Rotie.

So on this cold wintry day we tried a bottle of the young 2006 Cote Rotie "Bassenon". Deep dark purple red colour with a great smell of pepper and brambles with a beautiful fruity peppery long finish. Heat to every corner our bodies. Magical stuff.

Expensive at 30€ a bottle but worth every centimes on cold wintry days.....

Cote Rotie, Bassenon, Rhone Valley, Yves Cuilleron 2006

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