Domaine le Couroulu Vacqueyras Cuvee Classique 2008

Rhone Red Blends from Vacqueyras, Rhone, France

88 Wine
Spectator

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Domaine le Couroulu Vacqueyras Cuvee Classique 2008 Front Label

Product Details

Varietal

Rhone Red Blends

Region

Vacqueyras, Rhone, France

Producer

Domaine le Couroulu

Vintage

2008

Size

750ML

ABV

13.5%

Your Rating

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Somm Note

Winemaker Notes

The growing season stared off well, but the summer was cooler and more rainy than usual. Though the water was greatly needed, it did slow down ripening. Fortunately, the weather improved as harvest approached: in September and early October, warm and dry days, cool nights, and – very importantly – a good Mistral wind which blocked the onset of rot, made for an excellent harvest. We did a severe selection of grapes on the vine and blended the fruit from our Vieilles Vignes vineyard on the plateau with the fruit we kept for the Classique.Our 2008 has an expressive nose of Provencal herbs and garrigue, and substantial, crunchy, fresh black fruit with notes of licorice and blackberry. The finish is long and succulent, making the 2008 Vacqueyras Cuvee Classique perfect for current enjoyment.

Professional Ratings

88 Wine Spectator
A touch taut in feel, but delivering a good core of damson plum, cherry pit and plum skin notes, with a note of lightly roasted mesquite. Drink now through 2013.

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2007

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Domaine le Couroulu

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Located in between Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape, the village of Vacqueyras was finally granted its own AC in 1990 after vociferous lobbying. Domaine Le Couroulu, founded in 1928 and still owned by the Ricard family, is known for producing some of the most full-bodied Vacqueyras and other wines from their 20 hectares of old Grenache and Syrah vines.

The estate is named for the Curlew bird, which is known in Provencal dialect as Couroulu: this bird is the signature emblem on the Domaine’s labels. Winemaker Guy Ricard, who represents the third generation, is one of the Rhone’s most passionate and pleasant personalities, qualities which are reflected in his generous and engaging wines.

Rhône Blends

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With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.

Vacqueyras Wine

Rhone, France

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This charming appellation within the Côtes du Rhône Villages was second only to Gigondas to earn its own village appellation status. Its wines may be red, rosé or white—though hardly any is white. Its high winemaking standards follow many of the same rules as Chateauneuf-du-Pape. But for Vacqueyras red wines, half of the grapes have to be Grenache and the remainder is usually a combination of Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault.

While they can be robust and rustic in style, typically a great Vacqueyras red combines delicate aromas with intense fruit and a bright, crisp texture. They certainly don’t lack any character and show an abundance of black cherry, wild berry, plum, fig, baking spice, and a touch of game or smoke.

AIWCOURVACQCUVCL_2008 Item# 109057