Counoise

Counoise is a red wine grape variety that is native to the Rhône Valley in France. It is one of the 13 grape varieties that are allowed in the production of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a famous wine region in the southern Rhône Valley. Counoise is a minor grape variety, and it is often used as a blending grape to add complexity and depth to other Rhône varietals such as Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.

Counoise is a late-ripening grape variety that is known for its high acidity and low tannins. It produces wines that are light to medium-bodied, with bright red fruit flavors such as raspberry, cherry, and cranberry. Counoise wines are often described as having a spicy, herbal, and floral character, with notes of black pepper, lavender, and violets.

Although Counoise is primarily grown in the Rhône Valley, it is also cultivated in other wine regions around the world, including California, Washington State, and Australia. In the United States, Counoise is often used in the production of Rhône-style blends, particularly in California’s Central Coast region.

One of the most famous brands of Counoise is the Tablas Creek Vineyard in Paso Robles, California. Tablas Creek is a joint venture between the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel in the Rhône Valley and Robert Haas, a wine importer. The vineyard was established in 1989, and it is dedicated to producing Rhône-style wines using traditional French techniques and grape varieties. Tablas Creek’s Counoise is a single-varietal wine that is aged in neutral oak barrels for 10 months. It is a light-bodied wine with bright red fruit flavors and a spicy, herbal character.

Another famous brand of Counoise is the Château de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France. Beaucastel is one of the most renowned producers in the region, and it is known for its high-quality wines that are made using traditional methods. Beaucastel’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape blend includes Counoise, along with other Rhône varietals such as Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. The wine is aged in large oak barrels for up to 18 months, and it is known for its complex flavors and aromas.

Other notable producers of Counoise include the Bonny Doon Vineyard in Santa Cruz, California, and the Domaine de la Mordorée in Tavel, France. Bonny Doon’s Counoise is a single-varietal wine that is aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve its bright fruit flavors. Domaine de la Mordorée’s Tavel Rosé is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Counoise, and it is known for its vibrant pink color and refreshing acidity.