Discover the magic of Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu

In wine, there are a handful of places that carry almost mythical status.

Places that are so spectacularly beautiful or historic that you feel privileged just to be there.

Past visits to Burgundy, Barolo and the Mosel spring to mind.

And last week, I added another one to the list.

It’s all about who you know

Earlier this year, and after years of chasing, I finally tracked down Burgundy hotshot Romain Cornin in Paris.

Romain and a group of other young winemakers had taken over a dusty old Basque pelota club, on the banks of the Seine, for a secret tasting after the big Wine Paris trade show.

After tasting together and fist-bumping on a deal, I asked him if there was anything else I should try before leaving.

He nodded across the room at Alexis Gerin, the son of legendary Côte-Rôtie producer Jean-Michel Gerin.

From the banks of the Seine…

This had been a long day at this point - I’d been up early for a 6am flight, and had tasted about a hundred wines that day. I’d trudged through the dark and wet Paris streets to get here.

But you can always count on a good Syrah to awaken the senses - and nowhere on earth does Syrah like Côte-Rôtie.

Waves of white pepper, violets, mushrooms, dark fruit and smokiness… eight months later I could still remember it as I pulled up at Domaine Gerin, the imposing vine-covered slopes of Côte-Rôtie above me.

I’d read about the place for years, so it was amazing to finally see it.

…to the banks of the Rhône

The actual size of Côte-Rôtie really belies its legendary status and reputation.

For a short two-kilometre stretch where the Rhône river turns a sharp right at Vienne, you’ll find dramatic vineyards carved into steep terraces of granite and slate. 

The vineyards face south-east, avoiding the late-afternoon burn from the sun, and the steep slopes ensure maximum exposure for the grapes.

It’s breathtaking. Then you taste the wines, and wonder how on earth they can deliver such colour, power and complexity, at just 13% alcohol. 

And that’s the magic of wine for me. Nowhere else in the world can it taste just like it does from here.

The wines are coming - stay tuned

After a tour (ahem, climb) of the vineyards, Alexis poured the full range of wines for me. They took me straight back to that amazing tasting in Paris.

They were even better than I remembered (maybe because I was sober this time). So I’ve picked four wines that perfectly tell the story about this part of the world. 

They'll be on the way very shortly, and you'll be able to enjoy:

• Domaine Gerin Côte-Rôtie Champin le Seigneur 2023 - a blend of 11 tiny parcels across slate and granite soils. This is exactly what great Côte-Rôtie should taste like: big, oaky and leathery on the nose, with cassis and florals that you could sniff all day! It’s dense and juicy on the palate, with a balanced and long finish. 5% of Viognier adds lift and even more aromatics
• Domaine Gerin Condrieu La Loye 2023 - from the equally tiny Condrieu appellation just down the river, this is your chance to try one of France’s greatest white wine regions. The nose is incredible - it’s all apricots, nectarines and florals, while the palate is intense, pure and silky, with an incredibly long and satisfying finish
• Domaine Gerin La Champine Syrah 2024 - a Vin de France that punches way above its price point. This is from a small vineyard at the bottom of the slopes - literally the other side of the road of Côte-Rôtie. Aged in stainless steel tanks for maximum fruit expression, it’s pure, juicy and joyful Syrah at just 12.5% alcohol
• Domaine Gerin La Champine Viognier 2023 - a fresh, aromatic and balanced white, it’s peachy, honeyed and creamy. You could call it a baby Condrieu - amazing value too.

This is what we're all about

Gerin is a legendary name in France - 80% of their production is sold domestically, mostly to top restaurants and discerning clients in nearby Lyon and also Paris.

It's exactly the kind of discovery I love to make, and sharing them with passionate wine drinkers like you is what puts a spring in my step. 

So if these wines sound up your street, especially heading into busy season, then get your pre-order in before someone else does!