Counoise 3 Items Follow

Counoise is a red-wine grape most often found in the southern Rhône Valley, where it is used in the regional blends to balance the strong tannins and high alcohol of Syrah. It can also be found throughout Provence and the Languedoc. A few small-production vignerons make high quality single varietal Counoise in France, as well as the Sierra Foothills and Central Coast regions of California. Australian and Washingtonian vintners have also made noteworthy bottles from the variety too.

Tasting Notes for Counoise

Counoise is a dry red wine with a medium body, medium to high acidity and low tannins. It shows a light color, and characteristics of plum and cherry fruit, along with anise, licorice and pepper.

Food Pairing with Counoise

The grape’s low tannins and fresh fruit make it a versatile red, complementing flavors such as lamb, duck, insalata niçoise, jambalaya or lentil stew.

Sommelier Secrets for Counoise

Frederic Mistral, the Provençal troubadour, recounts that the grape was brought to Avignon from Spain as a present for Pope Urban V in the 14th Century.