Côte Rôtie is an area on the Rhône where fine red wine is produced from, predominantly, Viognier and Syrah grapes grown on steep, sunny terraces. It is one of the oldest vineyards in France and was set up by the Romans. The Côte Rôtie produces a warm, robust, full-bodied, richly colored red wine. Harsh and dark when they are young they become softer with age and develop an excellent bouquet. Wines of Côte Rôtie are often considered as the best of the Côtes du Rhône. Some Côte Rôtie wine afficianados divide the best of the wines into brown Côte Rôtie and blonde Côte Rôtie. Browns are stronger and mature longer, blondes are more delicate.
