Wines Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Côtes Rocheuses - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Château Cotes Rocheuses 2020 is a red Bordeaux from the prestigious Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation, located within the Libournais sub-region. This vintage is predominantly Merlot, supported by Cabernet Franc and possibly a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, in line with the classic blends of Saint-Émilion. The 2020 vintage benefited from a warm, sunny summer, resulting in ripe fruit and well-structured tannins. The soil composition, a blend of clay and limestone, imparts both freshness and depth to the wine, allowing the fruit to express both opulence and finesse. Expert vinification practices—often a mix of stainless steel and oak maturation—bring out the richness of red and black fruits, subtle floral notes, and hints of spices.

The Saint-Émilion region is one of the jewels of Bordeaux’s right bank. Its vineyards stretch across gently rolling hills with diverse soils that have attracted winemakers for centuries. The area is marked by a temperate oceanic climate, providing just the right balance of sunlight and rain to ensure gradual, optimal grape ripening. The limestone plateau and clay slopes give the wines their celebrated backbone and ageing potential. Saint-Émilion itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous not only for its wines but also for its medieval village and rich cultural history.

Given Château Cotes Rocheuses 2020’s structure and depth, it pairs beautifully with robust and savoury dishes. Classic pairings include roast lamb with thyme, duck breast with a red wine reduction, or a beef Wellington. Local cuisine, such as South-West France’s magret de canard or entrecôte à la bordelaise, makes a particularly harmonious match. Mature cheeses like Comté or aged gouda will also complement the wine’s fruit and tannins.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine one hour before serving to help the aromas fully develop. Serve at 16-18°C to highlight both the freshness of the fruit and the nuanced complexity that comes from its terroir. This wine has good ageing potential, so you may choose to cellar a few bottles to savour its evolution over the next decade.