Collioure is a very small appellation in the Roussillon region (also known as French Catalonia) in southeastern France, near the border with Spain on the Mediterranean coast, about 30 kilometers southwest of Perpignan. It produces PowerfulDry red and white wines from France's southernmost Vineyard. The appellation comprises four communes, including the one from which it takes its name, plus Cerbère, Port-Vendres and Banyuls. Collioure wines are the dry table wines of the region, while those bearing the name Banyuls are the Sweet wines produced in exactly the same vineyards.
The proportion of grapes that become Collioure or Banyuls wine in a given year depends on the particular characteristics of the Vintage. Until recently, AOC Collioure wines were exclusively red or rosé wines. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre make up 60% of Collioure blends, with Carignan and Cinsaut making up the remaining 40% in varying proportions. Mourvèdre is not included in the blend of Banyuls wines, so all the Mourvèdre grapes grown here are destined for Collioure wines.
Counoise is a black grape variety of Spanish origin. It is widely cultivated in the southern part of France. It is very similar to the aubun, with which it is often confused, and has a white cottony bud. Unlike the aubun, the leaves of this variety do not have teeth in the petiolar sinus. They are thick and large. Its bunches are medium-sized but its berries are large. It is advisable to prune it short so that it is productive. It matures in the second half of the year, but production depends on the vintage. This grape variety appreciates hillside terroirs, which are stony and warm. It fears grey rot without being sensitive to oidium and mildew. Counoise has two approved clones, 508 and 725. The wine obtained from Counoise is not very colourful. It is fine and fruity. Its aromas are diversified with notes of fruit, flowers and spices.
red wines from the region of Collioure go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, pasta or veal such as recipes of shepherd's pie (quebec!), spaghetti cacio e pepe or paupiettes of veal.
On the nose in the region of Collioure often reveals types of flavors of red fruit, black fruit or oak and sometimes also flavors of minerality, plum or non oak. In the mouth in the region of Collioure is a powerful with a nice balance between acidity and tannins.
