In the glass
Aroma: black cherry, violet, pepper, smoked herbs, light mineral
Palate: dark fruit, spice, moderate tannins, fresh herbs, medium-long finish
Vernay's Cote-Rotie, a house better known for Condrieu but producing an elegant and honest Syrah. The small Viognier co-fermentation adds Condrieu-like floral notes.
What it pairs with
-
Roast chicken thighs with tarragon
Medium-weight peppery Syrah pairs with herbal roasted poultry. -
Lamb kofta with mint yogurt
The wine's herbs and pepper match Middle Eastern lamb preparations. -
Duck rillettes
Medium-bodied Cote-Rotie suits the richness of duck pate.
How to serve Cote-Rotie Maison Rouge
Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Roast chicken thighs with tarragon, Lamb kofta with mint yogurt, Duck rillettes. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
The Vernay domaine expanded from Condrieu into Cote-Rotie with the Maison Rouge bottling, producing a floral and approachable Syrah that reflects the house's Viognier expertise through a small co-fermentation.
- 1990 — First vintage of Maison Rouge as Vernay's entry into the Cote-Rotie appellation
Facts
- Producer
- Georges Vernay
- Grapes
- Syrah (96%), Viognier (4%)
- Classification
- Cote-Rotie AOC
- Oak
- 18 months in used French oak barriques
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 45-70 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1990
- Organic
- ECOCERT
Frequently asked about Cote-Rotie Maison Rouge
What does Cote-Rotie Maison Rouge taste like?
On the nose, black cherry, violet, pepper, smoked herbs, light mineral. On the palate, dark fruit, spice, moderate tannins, fresh herbs, medium-long finish. Structurally medium-bodied, medium tannins, high acidity with a medium-long, peppery and herbal finish. Vernay's Cote-Rotie, a house better known for Condrieu but producing an elegant and honest Syrah. The small Viognier co-fermentation adds Condrieu-like floral notes.
When should I drink Cote-Rotie Maison Rouge?
Drink 5-15 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Cote-Rotie Maison Rouge?
Roast chicken thighs with tarragon is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Lamb kofta with mint yogurt and Duck rillettes. Medium-weight peppery Syrah pairs with herbal roasted poultry.
What grapes are in Cote-Rotie Maison Rouge?
The blend is Syrah (96%), Viognier (4%). The wine is classified as Cote-Rotie AOC.