Grape Variety: Counoise

Colour: Red

The precise origin of Counoise is unknown. According to the great Provençal poet Frederic Mistral, it was introduced into Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Spain by a papal officer, who offered it to Pope Urban V when the papacy was based in Avignon in the mid-14th century. Counoise was planted in the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and was given a prominent place in the wines of the celebrated Château la Nerthe estate of Commandant Ducos in the late 19th century. Ducos was a student of the characteristics of various grape varietals, and played a key role in the development of the Châteauneuf-du- Pape region. When the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée laws regulating (among other things) the permitted grape varietals were passed in the 1930s, the varietals planted by Ducos (including Counoise) comprised 11 of the 13 allowed Châteauneuf-du-Pape varieties. The varietal saw a similar rebirth at Château de Beaucastel when Jacques Perrin increased the planting of Counoise as a complement for Syrah.

Counoise is one of the grapes allowed into the blend of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine. In 2004 only 0.5% of the appellation’s surface was planted with Counoise. Some producers which favour the variety use about 5% of it in their blends, and account for most of the plantations.

Counoise is a deep purple-red, and has a rich, spicy character, with flavours of anise, strawberries, and blueberries. Its soft tannins and forward fruit round out the classic robust Rhone blends and provides an element of finesse, helping to open up the more closed varieties of Mourvèdre and Syrah.

The grape makes fleeting guest appearances in our Beaucastel-manque Chateauneuf from Jacques Mestre (it is the one in thirteen) and in the Clos du Gravillas fruity field blend called “Sous Les Cailloux des Grillons”.