Présentation
Présentation
Les 30 hectares du vignoble de Coudoulet de Beaucastel se trouvent juste à l'est de celui de Beaucastel, de l'autre côté de l'autoroute A7. Pour des raisons qui deviendront évidentes, il est souvent considéré comme le bébé de Beaucastel. Quand on s'intéresse au sol de Coudoulet on s'aperçoit qu'il existe de nombreuses similitudes avec celui de Beaucastel. Il est composé de molasse marine de miocène recouvert par un diluvium alpin. Cette couverture de galets roulés contribue beaucoup aux vins de Beaucastel : elle emmagasine la chaleur intense du soleil méditerranéen pendant la journée et la restitue lentement aux vignes pendant la nuit. Cela permet un bon démarrage des vignes au printemps.
Le millésime
Beau millésime.
Après une vague de chaleure, la sécheresse a été très importante.
Après une vague de chaleure, la sécheresse a été très importante.
Situation
Côtes du Rhône. Entre Orange et Avignon à l'est du vignoble du Château de Beaucastel. Le Coudoulet de Beaucastel blanc est un vignoble de 3 hectares.
Afficher Sans titre sur une carte plus grande
Afficher Sans titre sur une carte plus grande
Terroir
Molasse marine du miocène recouvert par un diluvium alpin (cailloux roulés).
Élevage
Vendange manuelle, tri de la vendange, ramassage en caisse, pressurage pneumatique, débourbage et fermentation pour une partie en pièces de chêne et pour une partie en cuves inox.
Pendant 8 mois. Assemblage et mis en bouteilles, sans passage à basse température.
Pendant 8 mois. Assemblage et mis en bouteilles, sans passage à basse température.
Cépages
Bourboulenc : 30%
Marsanne : 30%
Viognier : 30%
Clairette : 10%
Marsanne : 30%
Viognier : 30%
Clairette : 10%
Conseils
Service
10°C dans un verre type I.N.A.O.
Dégustation
Aspect : Jaune pâle.
Nez : Pêche, banane, miel.
Saveurs : Gras, rond avec une fraîcheur très florale.
Nez : Pêche, banane, miel.
Saveurs : Gras, rond avec une fraîcheur très florale.
Avis
"Fat and forward, with almond and cantaloupe flavors followed by a soft finish. Shows the mature aspect of whites from this vintage. Drink now. 1,165 cases made. –JM"
"The 2003 Beaucastel Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet blanc exhibits an apricot liqueur-like note, low acidity, and a fat, corpulent personality in a style that requires consumption over the next year, as it will be short-lived. "
"The 2003 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet blanc, an equal part blend of Viognier, Marsanne, and Bourboulenc, exhibits plenty of honeysuckle and citrus oils in the nose, medium body, wonderful freshness, and a chunky, fleshy, low acid finish. Drink it over the next 1-2 years.
P.S. Of considerable interest during my September, 2004 visit was Francois Perrin’s decision to open a 1980 Chateauneuf du Pape blanc (rated 94). He did this because I have been visiting Beaucastel for nearly 26 years, and in its youth, I remember this wine was quite impressive. At about age 6-7, it seemed to be completely dead and oxidized, and had taken on an old gold color. However, according to Perrin, about five years ago it came alive, and this bottle was spectacular. The aging of not only white Hermitage (which is primarily Marsanne) but also these special cuvees of Roussanne (particularly Beaucastel’s, but I suspect also other Roussane-based white Chateauneuf du Papes such as Grand Veneur’s La Fontaine and La Nerthe’s Clos de Beauvenir) is bizarre, and defies any rational explanation. They are compelling when first released, then become nearly undrinkable only to re-emerge in the future, but one is never quite sure at what age that will happen. It is one of the mysteries of wine, but it is reassuring to know there are still things the so-called experts cannot explain."
P.S. Of considerable interest during my September, 2004 visit was Francois Perrin’s decision to open a 1980 Chateauneuf du Pape blanc (rated 94). He did this because I have been visiting Beaucastel for nearly 26 years, and in its youth, I remember this wine was quite impressive. At about age 6-7, it seemed to be completely dead and oxidized, and had taken on an old gold color. However, according to Perrin, about five years ago it came alive, and this bottle was spectacular. The aging of not only white Hermitage (which is primarily Marsanne) but also these special cuvees of Roussanne (particularly Beaucastel’s, but I suspect also other Roussane-based white Chateauneuf du Papes such as Grand Veneur’s La Fontaine and La Nerthe’s Clos de Beauvenir) is bizarre, and defies any rational explanation. They are compelling when first released, then become nearly undrinkable only to re-emerge in the future, but one is never quite sure at what age that will happen. It is one of the mysteries of wine, but it is reassuring to know there are still things the so-called experts cannot explain."
