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
The 2016 vintage in the Southern Rhone valley is exceptional, both in terms of quality and quantity, thanks to idyllic weather conditions that protected the region from climatic accidents throughout the whole year.
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 red dress. The nose is powerful with intense notes of juniper, black olives and pepper. In the mouth, it is an explosion of red fruit, with floral and spicy notes, but with a very nice balance combining great freshness, a beautiful complexity, a soft texture and a nice acidity. A wine that has a lot of character.
Reviews
"This has a very plush, luscious and generously fleshy feel. Cherry compote, raspberries, blackberries and plums. Tarry elements, too. Smooth, velvety, pure and even. Succulence, elegance and clarity. Such value here. Drink or hold."
"Bottled three weeks ago, the 2016 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet de Beaucastel sports a deep ruby/purple color as well as terrific freshness in its blueberry, violets, raspberry, and spring flower aromas and flavors. Showing the vintages purity and elegance, it still packs ample oomph and richness. Drink it over the coming decade. "
"Beautifully juicy red fruit that has effortless purity and ripeness. Dry, smooth palate with finely ground tannins, lovely violet fragrance and excellent fruit purity. Tremendous!"
"The 2016 Coudoulet de Beaucastel Cotes Du Rhone from Chateau De Beaucastel builds upon the outstanding reputation of the 2015 vintage for the same wine, which was one of my favorite wines I tasted last year. Famous for producing some of the best red wines in Chateauneuf de Pape, this affordable alternative to higher priced Chateauneuf de Papes" [+]
