Winemaker Notes
Lou Courcardié is the champion bull of the Course Camarguaise, the ancient sport of man against bull practiced in the Costières de Nîmes and the Languedoc. Unlike bull fighting in Spain, the bull is never harmed although those who face him frequently are! Michel Gassier has elected to use this name as an homage to not only these magnificent beasts but his finest efforts in the vineyard and cellar.
Blend: 50% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, 20% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Ripe black (and some red) fruits, sappy herbs, graphite, and peppery herb notes all define the 2015 Costières de Nîmes Lou Coucardié, a medium to full-bodied expression of this cuvée that has a more focused, elegant profile.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The full-bodied, richly tannic 2015 Costieres de Nimes Lou Coucardie is a blend of 50% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache and 20% Syrah aged in 600-liter demi-muids. At the moment, it's a bit dark and monolithic, resembling black cherry liqueur, but given its makeup, I expect it to develop additional complexity over the next 5 years. Certainly, the long, velvety finish suggests at least a bit of ageability.
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Wine Enthusiast
Heady notes of cinnamon, vanilla and smoke lend sizzle to this bold, unctuous blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah. A glossy, hedonistic sip, it fills the palate with sun-drenched black-currant and cassis. Fine, delicate tannins and a hint of sage linger on the finish.
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.
Gently rolling hills covered by large, round stones on south-facing slopes, Costieres de Nimes is a substantial IGP zone that was formerly considered part of the Languedoc. Today it is included as a section of the southern Rhone; its climate, topography and wines put it more in line with that appellation. Grenache is its most important red variety, along with Mourvedre, Syrah and Carignan. Half of the production here is rosé.