# Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde (2020)

- **Producer:** E. Guigal
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah, Viognier
- **Region:** Rhône Valley, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.8%
- **Average price:** €65
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black plum, black pepper, black cherry, cloves, vanilla, cedar, leather, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

The E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde 2020 is a red wine from the AOC Côte-Rôtie in the Northern Rhône Valley, France. Its name, 'Brune et Blonde,' reflects the two historic slopes of the appellation, Côte Brune and Côte Blonde, each contributing unique characteristics to the blend. Maison Guigal, a family-owned estate founded in 1946, prioritizes vineyard ownership and meticulous winemaking. This wine is an archetypal expression of Côte-Rôtie's elegance and complexity, with a history rooted in the division of the appellation's slopes. The 2020 vintage is noted for its concentration and structure, influenced by a warm growing season.

## Interesting facts

- Named after the two distinct slopes of Côte-Rôtie: Côte Brune and Côte Blonde.
- Guigal owns its own cooperage for barrel production.
- Average vine age is 35 years.
- 280,000 bottles produced globally.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and fine tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of red meats and game. Its complex aromatics can echo earthy notes from mushrooms and herbs, while its succulent acidity helps to cut through richer sauces and fats.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde 2020 begins with manual harvesting. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for a minimum of 36 months in oak barrels, with 50% of them being new. Guigal utilizes its own cooperage for barrel production, a practice that allows for specific tailoring of the oak influence. Sustainable viticulture and respect for the vineyard's ecosystem are core principles throughout the cultivation process, including low pruning and strict yield limitation.