The 2021 Nicolas Champagneux Côte-Rôtie Les Grandes Places is a red wine from the prestigious Côte-Rôtie appellation in the northern Rhône Valley, France. Les Grandes Places is a renowned lieu-dit (vineyard site) in Côte-Rôtie, known for producing complex and powerful wines with exceptional aging potential.
Vintage Overview
The 2021 vintage in the northern Rhône was cooler and more classic compared to recent years. It delivered wines with fresh acidity, fine tannins, and a focus on elegance rather than opulence. Lower yields due to frost and rain resulted in concentrated wines of high quality.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep ruby with a purple core, reflecting youth and vibrancy.
- Aroma: Intense and layered, with blackberries, blueberries, and dark cherries at the forefront. Secondary notes of black pepper, smoked meat, leather, and earthy minerality. Floral nuances of violets and hints of olive tapenade add aromatic complexity.
- Palate: Full-bodied yet refined, with a dense texture. The wine showcases a core of dark fruit flavors, complemented by savory notes of herbs, spice, and crushed stones. Tannins are firm but fine-grained, balanced by fresh acidity.
- Finish: Long and structured, with lingering notes of dark fruit, spice, and a subtle smoky minerality.
Grape Composition
- Syrah: Typically 100% Syrah from Les Grandes Places, highlighting the terroir’s unique character.
Terroir
Les Grandes Places is prized for its steep, terraced vineyards with schist soils. The site’s exposure and soil composition contribute to wines of power, depth, and complexity.
Food Pairing
- Classic Pairings: Roast lamb, beef Wellington, or venison with a red wine reduction.
- Hearty Dishes: Braised short ribs, cassoulet, or wild boar stew.
- Cheese: Aged cheeses like Beaufort, Tomme de Savoie, or mature cheddar.
Serving Tips
- Temperature: Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F).
- Decanting: Essential for young Côte-Rôtie wines. Decant for 1–2 hours to unlock its full aromatic and flavor profile.
- Aging Potential: Les Grandes Places wines are known for their longevity. The 2021 vintage, while approachable in its youth, has the structure and balance to age gracefully for 15–20 years or more.
Specifications
| Country | France |
| Region | Rhone Valley |
| Sub-Region | Cote Rotie |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Grape | Syrah / Shiraz |
| Volume | 750ml |
| ABV | 13% |
| Food Pairing | Lamb |
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