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.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Killer stuff that shows everything, the 2016 Costières de Nîmes Lou Coucardié is still deep purple/plum-hued and offers sensational notes of ripe red and black fruits, roasted herbs, jus de viande, and pepper, among other things. It’s the biggest, richest wine in the lineup, with a broad, layered mouthfeel, sweet tannins, and a great finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A Mourvèdre-led blend aged in demi-muids, the 2016 Costieres de Nimes Lou Coucardie features patisserie-like notes of baking spice and vanilla. It's full-bodied, oaky and plush, with forward notes of dark fruit and decent freshness on the long 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.