Wines made from Counoise grapes of Judean Hills

Discover the best wines made with Counoise as a single variety or as a blend of Judean Hills.

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 Judean Hills

Judean Hills wine region – which is theoretically further divided into the Jerusalem, Gush Etzion and Southern Judean Hills sub-regions – Lies within the Samson region of Central Israel. The Judean Hills (or Mountains) form a low mountain range that dominates the landscape around Jerusalem and the West Bank. Hebron, Bethlehem and Ramallah also lie within the range, which formed the core territory of the Kingdom of Judah where the earliest Jewish settlements were located. Although not one of Israel's better known wine regions (like Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights in Galilee), Judean Hills is an emerging viticultural area, and significant potential has been identified for its future.

What are the typical flavors of the Counoise grape variety?

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: 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 ...

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 ...