The 30 hectares of Coudoulet are located just east of the vineyard of Beaucastel on the other side of the A7 motorway. For reasons that have now become obvious, Coudoulet is often considered the baby Beaucastel. The Coudoulet soil has many similarities to that of Beaucastel. It is made out of Molasse seabed covered by diluvial alpine deposits. These pebbles called “Galets Roulés” play a big role: They take in the heat during the day and let it if off slowly at night which gives a good start to the vines in the Spring.
The vintageWith complex climatic conditions, 2024 was particularly challenging, requiring constant attention and commitment in the vineyard. Efforts rewarded by a vintage that is proving particularly promising. The early harvest, with 10 days ahead of average, began on August 28th for the whites and on the 30th for the reds and ended on October 4th with Mourvèdre, which forms the basis of the Hommage à Jacques Perrin wine. A long harvest in order to harvest each plot at perfect maturity, which took place in very good conditions, with cool temperatures, avoiding having to harvest at night. At the end of the harvest, the yields were reasonable, and the first tastings were exhilarating with balanced wines, particularly fruity and offering a lot of freshness. The 2024 vintage thus has very good potential, and great balance.
LocationWithin the Côtes du Rhône appellation, adjoining the vines of Château de Beaucastel, between Orange and Avignon. The vineyard of the Coudoulet de Beaucastel Blanc is 3 hectares (6 acres) in size.
TerroirMiocene marine molasses with a layer of alpine diluvium (rounded pepples).
AgeingHand-picked grapes are collected in baskets prior to sorting, pneumatic pressing and clarification of the must, fermentation partially in oak barrels and partially in steel tanks. For eight months in barrels and steel tanks, before blending and bottling, without cold stabilisation.