For the bold Syrah varietal, there is no better terroir than the Northern Rhone. The “roasted slopes” of Cote Rotie define the distinct structure of these wines. The vineyards here are some of the oldest in all of France, having weathering freezing winters on steep mountainsides creating rigorous root systems that dig deep into the rocky soils. The result is wines that delight with distinctive bacon flavors, violets, olive, dried herbs, black pepper, and raspberries. These incredibly age-worthy beauties are sought after across the globe and deserve a spot on your list.