Wines Côte-Rôtie E. Guigal - Brune et blonde - 2020

Viniou Reviews

E. Guigal’s Côte-Rôtie “Brune et Blonde” 2020 is one of the renowned signature wines of the northern Rhône, offering a compelling illustration of the appellation’s elegance and power. The wine is composed predominantly of Syrah, with a small proportion of Viognier (usually up to 10%), which is co-fermented with the Syrah—a classic hallmark of Côte-Rôtie. The 2020 vintage stands out for its freshness, refined structure, and expressive aromatics, thanks to the precise vinification and the careful maturation in both new and used oak barrels, which imparts finesse while respecting the fruit’s purity. “Brune et Blonde” refers to the melding of grapes from the Côte Brune (darker, iron-rich schist soils, giving depth and structure) and Côte Blonde (lighter, mica-rich soils, lending silkier texture and aromatics), thus achieving a beautiful balance in the finished wine.

The northern Rhône is a region of dramatic hillsides, continental climate and ancient winegrowing traditions. Côte-Rôtie is the most northerly appellation here, celebrated for its vertiginous vineyards along the Rhône River. The combination of poor, rocky soils and a climate moderated by both river influences and ample sunshine encourages the grapes to ripen slowly, developing both intensity and aromatic complexity. The region’s winemaking dates back over two thousand years, and today, Guigal stands as one of the leading producers, famous for their artisanal attention to each parcel and a philosophy of ageing their wines to ensure optimal expression.

Côte-Rôtie “Brune et Blonde” is a versatile partner at the table. Its layered notes of dark fruits, smoked bacon, violets, and spices pair wonderfully with roasted duck, venison, or lamb shank with herbes de Provence. For a regional touch, try it with daube Provençale (a slow-cooked beef stew) or even with matured cheeses like Saint-Marcellin.

To best appreciate its bouquet and texture, serve this wine at 16-18°C. If enjoying in its youth, a brief decantation can enhance its aromatic profile; otherwise, with some years in the cellar, it will become more complex and nuanced, rewarding the patient enthusiast.