Château de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet Blanc 2023

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 2023 vintage is characterised by a beautiful climatic balance, which is reflected in the cellar. The mild winter was followed by a dry spring then a hot summer, particularly in August and September. Despite a slight lack of rain, these conditions allowed ideal ripening and the harvest began on August 22nd in perfect conditions. Under a warm and radiant sun, the harvest went perfectly, even if it was necessary to work quickly to prevent the juices from oxidizing in the heat, particularly the rosés. The harvest ended on October 4, with the last devatting on October 23. The first tastings reveal very balanced wines: they are rich, powerful and have good concentration, while having retained a beautiful freshness. A vintage that shows great potential.

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.

Miocene marine molasses with a layer of alpine diluvium (rounded pepples).

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.