côte; côtes; coteau; coteaux [KOHT; koh-TOH]
French terms meaning “slope” or “slopes” that are often used as prefixes to French growing areas. côtes is the plural of côte; coteaux, the plural of coteau. The use of these terms relates to the belief that hillside vineyards are superior for grape growing. The famous area in Burgundy, Côte d’Or, means “slope of gold.”
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.