Rostaing Côte Blonde Côte Rôtie

Côte Rôtie, France

The Côte Rôtie's most floral and perfumed expression — Syrah from the lighter granite Côte Blonde with a small percentage of co-fermented Viognier. Violet, white pepper, raspberry, olives, and a silky texture that belies the wine's underlying structure. The most feminine and accessible of the great Côte Rôtie wines.

Pairing intelligence

• main: Syrah and roasted lamb is the northern Rhône's defining pairing; the wine's violet and herb character mirrors the lavender-thyme crust; ratatouille's Mediterranean vegetables bridge
• starter: Co-fermented Viognier gives the wine a rare apricot note that bridges foie gras; the wine's tannins cut through the fat; quince acidity lifts both