RENE ROSTAING

Cult status, masterful expressions, stellar accolades; these are the sort of terms one associates with René Rostaing. Part of Rostaing’s success can be attributed to the very old vines he inherited from two legendary growers, his father-in-law, Albert Dervieux- Thaize, and uncle, Marius Gentaz-Dervieux.

There is, though, an added element from Rostaing himself, namely his unwavering devotion to the Côte-Rôtie appellation and its deep traditions - his winemaking ethos draws heavily on them (with vigorous control exerted over the influence of the wood) to create classic Côte-Rôtie expressions that are unmistakably true to their origins; elegant, expressive and highly sought after.

Legal academic, property dealer and vigneron, René Rostaing crafts some of the finest Côte Rôties on the market today. He has owned 2 hectares in the Côte Blonde and La Landone since the 1970s but fortune has blessed him through his inheritance of four hectares of superbly sited vineyards from his father in law Albert Dervieux and another 1.4 hectares of particularly old vines from his uncle Marius Gentaz. He now has 7.4 hectares which in Côte Rôtie terms is a significant holding.

Rostaing is firmly in the modernist camp of Côte Rôtie producers, destemming the majority of his fruit and being one of the first producers to ferment using vinomatics (horizontal automatic vinifiers). However he dislikes the overt taste of new oak and uses a maximum of 15% in the maturation process. All the wines are bottled unfiltered.