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The legend of the “Côte brune” and the “Côte blonde”
Legends abound involving the Côte-Rôtie. One of them explains why our hillsides are known as Côte brune and Côte blonde.
It is told that Lord Maugiron, who owned the Côte-Rôtie in the 16th century, divided his estate between his two daughters so that they would fetch a good husband. One had hair that was golden like the wheat fields... the other had hair that was a dark, dark brown. The wines from the two terroirs accompanied the first turkeys ever served in France, at the Chateau d'Ampuis in 1553.
Here is the scientific explanation...
Download the map of terroirs...
Learn more about the geology of the Côte-Rôtie...
