Rhône

This appellation in the northern section of the Rhône wine-growing region in France is classified as a cru site. It is located in the north of the area, on the right bank of the Rhône river. The name translates as ”roasted slopes”, and describes the sun-drenched steep terraced vineyard slopes. The region is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in France. The Romans grew wine here, and one of the first fans of the wines was the famous Roman writer and poet Martial (40-102 AD). In medieval times, the local ruler Maugiron divided up his property among his two daughters, one of which was blonde while the other was a brunette. This is the origin of the names for the two sites, Côte brune and Côte blonde. The vineyard area totals more than 200 hectares in the three communes of Ampuis, Saint-Cyr-sur-Rhône and Tupin-Semons on the right bank of the Rhône river in the département Rhône. The wine is dark and tannic, and is one of the great French wines. It is made of Syrah, a maximum of 20% of Viognier (white) may be added, the grapes are vinified and fermented together. Well-known producers include Pierre Barge, Bernard Burgaud, Champet, Chapoutier, Clusel-Roch, Delas, Pierre Gaillard, Guigal, Jaboulet-Aîné, Joseph Jamet, Jasmin, Ogier, Domaine René Rostaing and Vidal-Fleury.