Domaine Rostaing Côte-Rôtie Côte Blonde 2022

Domaine Rostaing is one of the reference growers of Côte-Rôtie, farming steep terraced plots above Ampuis in the Northern Rhône. The Côte Blonde sits on lighter granitic and gneiss soils with a sandy, mica-rich topsoil, which tends to give more perfume and finer tannin than the iron-heavy Côte Brune. Full southern exposure ripens the Syrah while the slope drainage keeps the fruit fresh. A small proportion of Viognier is co-fermented with the Syrah, a traditional Côte-Rôtie practice in which the white grape stabilises colour and adds an aromatic floral edge. Ageing in French oak softens the structure and adds a savoury frame through slow oxygen exchange. The wine is deep ruby, with black pepper, raspberry and violet on the nose over cured olive, smoke and a faint apricot note from the Viognier. The palate is medium to full, with fine-grained tannin, bright acidity and a peppery, mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, ideally decanted an hour ahead, in a large bowled glass. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and game birds.