Côte Roannaise, a wine region to discover

It isn’t really clear when viticulture started in the region, but, it is believed that Benedictine monks arrived in Ambierle in the 10th century and planted the slopes with vines. Ambierle is located in the Hills “Monts” de la Madeleine and surrounded by the vineyards of the Côte Roannaise. The history of Ambierle is tied up with that of its Abbey and of its Priory. Early documented evidence dated to the late 11th century stipulated that people of Villerest were allowed to sell their wines in all seasons.

The Vineyards from the Côte Roannaise are full of charm and one of the best kept secret in my opinion. Sometimes referred as the 11th Cru of the Beaujolais but, often joining forces with the Loire Valley as it is located in the south of the Loire river.

Today:

  • AOC since 1994

  • IGP Vins de Pays d'Urfé since 2009

  • Roughly 215 hectares

  • 14 “communes” /towns

  • Roughly 30 winemakers

Gamay dominates and thrives in granite soil and is known as Gamay Saint Romain, the local cultivar from the area. Compact, small and thick skinned berries often translating to a more concentrated expression of the fruit. The wines have a lot of character and resonate with me completely.

I have tasted wines from Domaine Sérol and Domaine des Pothiers and both producers are delivering exciting wines.

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Domaine des Pothiers

I wanted to like this wine 🍷 and blimey, it is stunning!!!! Domaine des Pothiers in the Côte Roannaise is an exciting organic and biodynamic domaine. The value is astonishing and part of me would like to keep it for myself 🙊 but, this is worth shouting from the rooftops! The wine created has a pronounced spiciness that I enjoyed greatly 😋

Jammy, silky, refined tannins, good acidity and stony mineral quality from the granite.

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Domaine Sérol - Les Millerands 2017

I’m so glad I bought 2 bottles of this 🍷 after tasting it at the property. Domaine Sérol - Côte Roannaise - Les Millerands 2017. Heaven with beef, complex, earthy with some spice. Everyone enjoyed it greatly too!. The quality is astonishing and such good value, might hide the second bottle.