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, giving a good start to the vines in the Spring.
The vintage
2008 has a Northern style, a cooler year than 2007 for example.
An Indian summer allowed late harvest varieties, such as Mourvèdre and Counoise, to reach perfect maturity. Selection in the vineyard was ruthless and production was 50% less than an average harvest. The wine is quite “northern” in style and is very elegant with a lot of finesse and great balance. This wine will be delicious young and has an ageing potential similar to that of 1988.
An Indian summer allowed late harvest varieties, such as Mourvèdre and Counoise, to reach perfect maturity. Selection in the vineyard was ruthless and production was 50% less than an average harvest. The wine is quite “northern” in style and is very elegant with a lot of finesse and great balance. This wine will be delicious young and has an ageing potential similar to that of 1988.
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 in cement tanks during 12 days. Pressing in pneumatic presses. Blending of the different varietals after malolactic fermentation. Ageing in Oak Foudres during 6 months.
Varietals
Grenache : 30%
Mourvèdre : 30%
Syrah : 20%
Cinsault : 20%
Mourvèdre : 30%
Syrah : 20%
Cinsault : 20%
Advice
Serving
16°C in tasting glasses.
Tasting
Appearance: bright and lively, with great depth.
Nose: red fruits.
Palate: luscious, with hints of thyme.
Nose: red fruits.
Palate: luscious, with hints of thyme.
Reviews
"Very sweet and gamey and jammy but not nearly as exciting as the Charvin! A bit gypsy and rich."
"Very slightly meaty nose, then sweetly oaky, touch of vanilla on the palate, over fresh, lightly leafy dark fruit. Pretty light over all. (JH) "
"As for the red wines, very few 2008s were produced at Chateau Beaucastel, but the 2008 Beaucastel Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet red is a pleasant, straightforward effort that was less impressive from bottle than it was last year from barrel. Peppery garrigue and soft red currant and cherry fruit intermixed with a distinct herbaceousness and lightness kept my score low."
"The 2008 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet exhibits a dark, dense ruby color along with a big, sweet nose of roasted Provencal herbs, smoked meats, black currants, cherries, licorice, and seaweed. Ripe, medium-bodied, and already delicious, it should drink nicely for 4-5 years. "
"An expressive fruit-forward nose that we find again on the palate make for a pleasantly homogeneous wine. Youthful, fresh and fine are the characteristics of this ready to drink vintage."
