# Château d’Ampuis (2020)

- **Producer:** E. Guigal
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah, Viognier
- **Region:** Rhône Valley, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €135
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, strawberry, blackcurrant, red plum, red cherry, black plum, blackberry, cedar, chocolate, vanilla, cloves, prune, mocha, leather

## About this wine

The Côte Rôtie Château d'Ampuis from E. Guigal is a distinguished red wine from the Northern Rhône appellation. The wine is named after the historic Château d'Ampuis, an 11th-century fort that Guigal purchased and restored to serve as their headquarters. This cuvée is produced from seven of the domain's most exceptional vineyard plots, representing centuries of viticultural heritage in the renowned Côte-Rôtie terroir. Guigal, founded in 1946, is a prominent family-owned producer in the Rhône Valley, particularly recognized for its commitment to Côte-Rôtie. The Château d'Ampuis is positioned within Guigal's range, offering a step up in complexity and exclusivity from their more widely available bottlings.

## Interesting facts

- Named after an 11th-century fort Guigal restored.
- Vineyards include vines planted in the 16th century.
- Represents a curated selection from seven prime estate plots.
- Positioned as a premium cuvée between 'Brune et Blonde' and 'La La' wines.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and firm tannins are well-suited to rich proteins, where the tannins interact with the meat's proteins to soften both. The dark fruit and spice notes in the wine complement the savory and earthy flavors of game and roasted meats, while the wine's structure can stand up to robust sauces.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Côte Rôtie Château d'Ampuis involves fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with a 4-week maceration period. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 38 months in new oak. This extended aging in new oak is a key technique that shapes the wine's character and aging potential. The grapes are typically a blend of Syrah and Viognier, reflecting the traditional practice in the Côte-Rôtie appellation.