Domaine Pierre Gaillard Côte-Rôtie Rose Pourpre 2022

The charismatic Rose Pourpre (purple rose) comes from a steep, one-hectare parcel of 40-year-old vines rooted in the schist soils of Côte Rozier. It’s a warm, amphitheatre-shaped site just under the famous La Landonne, at the heart of the Côte Brune. There are numerous stone walls, well known for their ability to retain heat. This magnifies the site’s sunny microclimate and is one of the keys to understanding the depth and structure of the wines that come from this terroir. Harvesting is done by hand, and the fruit is destemmed before crushing. This cuvée matures for 18 months in Allier and Nevers barrels. The barrels are mostly new, but this powerhouse wine soaks it up beautifully. Though never brawny, Rose Pourpre is traditionally Gaillard’s most palate-staining, brooding Côte-Rôtie.