Côte-Rôtie occupies the first terraced slopes of the northern Rhône, above Ampuis, where Syrah is planted on schist and granite too steep to work by machine. The appellation permits up to twenty percent Viognier, co-fermented with the red, though most estates use far less.

The wines are perfumed rather than heavy: violet, olive and cracked pepper over a fine tannic frame. They drink well young and hold for two decades. Neighbouring Condrieu grows the same Viognier on its own, and Saint-Joseph offers the same Syrah at a gentler pitch.