Wines made from Counoise grapes of Côtes de Provence
Discover the best wines made with Counoise as a single variety or as a blend of Côtes de Provence.
More informations about the variety Counoise
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.
More informations about the region of Provence
The AOC Côtes de Provence is the largest appellation in the Provence wine region of southeastern France. It covers about 20,000 hectares of vineyards, which produce the vast majority of Provence's rosé wine. This appellation includes most of the vineyards in the Var department - essentially the eastern half of the Provence wine region - with the exception of 2,250 hectares North of Toulon which are reserved for the Côteaux Varois en Provence appellation. Although it also covers red and white wine, about 80% of Côtes de Provence production is rosé.
What are the typical flavors of the Counoise grape variety?
- Black fruitPresent in 2% of Counoise
- CreamPresent in 1% of Counoise
- PepperPresent in 1% of Counoise
- Red fruitPresent in 1% of Counoise
- Citrus fruitPresent in 1% of Counoise
- SpicesPresent in 1% of Counoise
- Tree fruitPresent in 1% of Counoise
- OakPresent in 1% of Counoise
- MicrobioPresent in 1% of Counoise
- EarthPresent in 1% of Counoise
- Non oakPresent in 1% of Counoise
- Black fruitsPresent in 1% of Counoise
- RaspberryPresent in 1% of Counoise
- CherryPresent in 1% of Counoise
- LeatherPresent in 1% of Counoise
- PlumPresent in 1% of Counoise
- LavenderPresent in 1% of Counoise
- StrawberriesPresent in 1% of Counoise
- Red fruitPresent in 1% of Counoise
- MineralityPresent in 1% of Counoise
News about the grape variety Counoise
Walls’ hidden gems: Domaine La Ferme St-Martin, Beaumes de Venise
Onwards, upwards. The roads get narrower, the corners get tighter. I step out of the car when I finally reach the winery and the air is so much fresher here. I go to take a sip from my water bottle and a gust of wind makes it whistle. I stand with Thomas Jullien and we look over the vineyards. It’s not yet spring, and the vines look little more than sticks. ‘It’s a lunar landscape at the moment,’ he says, as a friend’s flock of 300 sheep has just passed through to graze on every scrap of green b ...
Walls: Counoise spreads its wings
It’s easy to forget that the southern Rhône’s four most prevalent red varieties aren’t indigenous. Grenache, Carignan and Mourvèdre all appear to originate from Spain; Syrah made its way down the river from the northern Rhône. Of the long tail of other grapes, most have their roots closer to home. Plantings have dwindled in recent years, but today local varieties are experiencing renewed interest. One that’s finding a lot of fans – both in the Rhône and further afield – is Counoise. Scroll down ...
Walls: the best Rhône wines to buy in the UK right now
In the UK wine calendar, wine merchants concentrate on selling certain regions at the same time every year. For Burgundy, it’s January; Bordeaux starts in April. Others, like the Rhône, aren’t quite so specific, but merchants do seem to agree that autumn is the right time to turn their attention to this part of France. Following a number of Rhône-focused tastings, and with my full report on the 2021s coming out soon, I have tasted and rated wines that are available to buy in the UK now and my re ...