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
2015 was a magnificent year in the south as well, characterized by excellent sanitary conditions thanks to the mild, wet winter, followed by a relatively hot, dry spring. The vines coped well with the extreme heat and lack of rain in the summer thanks to good hydric reserves. Following satisfactory flowering, rapid and regular ripening was assisted by rain that fell in August, producing berries rich in phenolic compounds and anthocyanins. As in the north, harvesting took place under excellent conditions.
Location
30 hectares in Côtes-du-Rhône.
Terroir
Molasse seabed of the Miocene period covered by diluvial alpine deposits (rolled pebbles), identical to the vineyard of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Ageing
Each variety is harvested manually and separately, then sorted in the cellar. The harvest is heated to 80°C (skins) and then cooled down to 20°C. Classic maceration occurs in cement tanks for 12 days. Pressing in pneumatic presses. Blending of the different varietals after malolactic fermentation. Ageing in Oak Foudres for 6 months.
Varietals
Grenache : 40%
Mourvèdre : 30%
Syrah : 20%
Cinsault : 10%
Mourvèdre : 30%
Syrah : 20%
Cinsault : 10%
Advice
Serving
16°C in tasting glasses.
Tasting
Beautiful dark colour, this Coudoulet red 2015 reveals great elegance with a spicy character, exuberant with melted tannins. A beautiful wine that can be enjoyed young.
Reviews
"Leading off the 2015s from bottle, the 2015 Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel is impressive with its tobacco leaf, olive, and earthy, dark fruit-driven style. It’s medium to full-bodied, nicely textured, and has fabulous concentration and depth for a Côtes du Rhône. I’d happily drink it over the coming decade."
"Alluring, with warm raspberry and boysenberry confiture notes gliding along, carried by a well-embedded graphite edge and backed by warm fruitcake and dark tea accents on the finish."
"This is an absolutely fantastic showing as a second wine. This wine starts off with aromas of raspberry liquor, sandalwood and herbs de Provence. Balanced and poised, showing some nice weight on the mid-palate, the wine dances between dark and red fruits with a lovely texture. Enjoy this outstanding CDR over the next decade."
