Domaine Stéphane Ogier : Mes Grands Lieux 2016

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Côte-Rôtie "Mes Grands Lieux" 2016 from Domaine Stéphane Ogier

Tasting

Colour
With a deep, dark carmine hue, this wine is illuminated by subtle ruby highlights.

Nose
Complex and layered, the bouquet opens with intense aromas of ripe black fruits, such as blackcurrant and blackberry. It then evolves towards floral notes of violet and dried flowers, before revealing delicate spicy touches of white pepper and aniseed, along with subtle mineral and incense nuances.

Palate
The attack is full, tender and velvety, offering a lovely balance between power and delicacy. The mid-palate unfolds intense blackcurrant flavours underscored by light minty notes. The tannins, noble and perfectly integrated, structure the whole with refinement. The finish, of superb length, extends into floral, mineral and graphite notes.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs wonderfully with rich roasted or grilled meats. It will beautifully complement a beef bourguignon, a roasted rack of lamb, or dishes based on game such as venison, wild boar or wild duck, particularly when accompanied by mushroom sauces or wine reductions. It also pairs very well with a lamb tagine with apricots, a piece of beef with black truffles, as well as with mature pressed-curd cheeses, such as a mountain tomme.

Service and storage

To fully appreciate the complexity of this 2016 vintage, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 17°C, taking care to decant it approximately one hour before tasting. Already approachable, this wine built for long ageing will reveal its full potential until 2046.

The elegance and complexity of a Côte-Rôtie wine

The estate

Established for seven generations on the terroirs of Ampuis, the Ogier family took a decisive step in 1983 when Michel Ogier began bottling his own wines. Now run by his son, Stéphane Ogier, Domaine Stéphane Ogier has become a leading reference in the Rhône Valley. The vineyard has grown from a few hectares to around forty today, all while maintaining a philosophy centred on precise plot-by-plot expression and respect for the soil. The estate thus combines the region's historic heritage with ultramodern facilities.

The vineyard

This Côte-Rôtie wine is made from a meticulous selection of eleven named vineyard sites within the appellation, including Lancement, Leyat, Montmain and La Viallière. The vines thrive on vertiginous slopes, sometimes exceeding 60% incline, at altitudes ranging between 150 and 320 metres. The blend reflects the geological duality of the appellation: 74% of the grapes come from the Côte Brune, with its mica-schist soils bringing power and structure, while 26% come from the Côte Blonde, composed of gneiss and granite, lending suppleness and elegance. The vineyard is cultivated according to sustainable farming principles, including partial ploughing with horses.

The vintage

The year 2016 was marked by contrasting weather conditions. After a rather challenging spring and early summer, September brought particularly mild and beneficial weather. This ideal late season allowed the berries to reach optimal phenolic ripeness, resulting in a balanced harvest that favoured finesse.

Winemaking and ageing

The harvest is done exclusively by hand, followed by rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and upon arrival at the winery. True to his philosophy, the winemaker vinifies each plot separately in order to respect the identity of each terroir. Only after this stage is the blend for the "Mes Grands Lieux" 2016 cuvée meticulously crafted. The wine is then aged for twenty months in French oak barrels of 228 litres, 20% of which are new, allowing the tannic structure to be refined.

Grape variety

Syrah (100%).