Presentation
Presentation
The 30 hectares of Coudoulet are located just east of the vineyard of Beaucastel on the other side of the A7 motorway. For reasons that have now become obvious, Coudoulet is often considered the baby Beaucastel. The Coudoulet soil has many similarities to that of Beaucastel. It is made out of Molasse seabed covered by diluvial alpine deposits. These pebbles called “Galets Roulés” play a big role: They take in the heat during the day and let it if off slowly at night which gives a good start to the vines in the Spring.
The vintage
With complex climatic conditions, 2024 was particularly challenging, requiring constant attention and commitment in the vineyard. Efforts rewarded by a vintage that is proving particularly promising. The early harvest, with 10 days ahead of average, began on August 28th for the whites and on the 30th for the reds and ended on October 4th with Mourvèdre, which forms the basis of the Hommage à Jacques Perrin wine. A long harvest in order to harvest each plot at perfect maturity, which took place in very good conditions, with cool temperatures, avoiding having to harvest at night. At the end of the harvest, the yields were reasonable, and the first tastings were exhilarating with balanced wines, particularly fruity and offering a lot of freshness. The 2024 vintage thus has very good potential, and great balance.
Location
Within the Côtes du Rhône appellation, adjoining the vines of Château de Beaucastel, between Orange and Avignon. The vineyard of the Coudoulet de Beaucastel Blanc is 3 hectares (6 acres) in size.
Terroir
Miocene marine molasses with a layer of alpine diluvium (rounded pepples).
Ageing
Hand-picked grapes are collected in baskets prior to sorting, pneumatic pressing and clarification of the must, fermentation partially in oak barrels and partially in steel tanks. For eight months in barrels and steel tanks, before blending and bottling, without cold stabilisation.
Varietals
Bourboulenc : 30%
Marsanne : 30%
Viognier : 30%
Clairette : 10%
Marsanne : 30%
Viognier : 30%
Clairette : 10%
Advice
Serving
Serve lightly chilled at 10°C in a fine glass.
Tasting
A beautiful, clear, pale-gold colour with subtle green undertones. The nose reveals a superb, highly refined aromatic bouquet with notes of citrus fruit such as grapefruit and honeysuckle. With a beautifully balanced structure, the palate offers a delicate bitterness with saline notes. The long finish prolongs the salinity while expressing the full roundness and richness of Marsanne. A remarkably balanced wine.
Reviews
"An excellent white Cotes-du-Rhone with a wonderful balance of stone fruit, delicate tannins and lively acidity. Already so enticing and harmonious. Aromas of summer meadow and orange blossoms. A cuvee of viognier, marsanne and bourboulenc. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold."
"Surpassing the 2023 I tasted last year, the 2024 Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc Coudoulet de Beaucastel delights with tasty lemon tart, pear and a slice of apricot. Medium-bodied and well concentrated with balancing vibrancy neatly captured, the 2024 shines with precision and focus."
"A blend of unknown proportions of Viognier, Marsanne and Bourboulenc, the 2024 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet de Beaucastel Blanc offers up aromas of white fruits, herbs and flowers, followed by a moderately weighted, round and juicy palate with bright acids and a fresh finish."
"Based on Bourboulenc, Viognier, and Marsanne, the 2024 Côtes Du Rhône Coudoulet De Beaucastel Blanc is a killer white offering honeyed peach, orange blossom, white flowers, and a kiss of minerality. It's medium-bodied, pure, focused, and elegant, with a layered mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and a great finish. This is legit fabulous stuff that's as good as many a top Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc and will drink beautifully over the coming 4-6 years. Drink 2025-2030."
"This is great, showing such energy and intensity on the palate. It’s so fresh and lively, with a lovely texture. Really delicious, sappy acidity running through it, giving a natural balance and a long finish. The domaine has increased the percentage of Bourboulenc in the blend this year. An excellent vintage of this cuvée."
