Question about Counoise

I now have two bottles of of Counoise - one from an Arizona winemaker and one from Broc Cellars.

I was going to open the AZ one (Page Springs Cellars Colibri Vineyard) a while back when a friend was over but found out he had never had a 100% Counoise either. With no basis for comparison we decided to wait to see if we could track down what would be considered a typical Counoise.

So two questions - 1. What should we expect from this grape? 2. Are there any to search for that would typify the wine, possibly from the Rhone instead of the US?

I now have two bottles of of Counoise - one from an Arizona winemaker and one from Broc Cellars.

I was going to open the AZ one (Page Springs Cellars Colibri Vineyard) a while back when a friend was over but found out he had never had a 100% Counoise either. With no basis for comparison we decided to wait to see if we could track down what would be considered a typical Counoise.

So two questions - 1. What should we expect from this grape? 2. Are there any to search for that would typify the wine, possibly from the Rhone instead of the US?

Well, Doug....not that I would know...I've only had 741 of them in my life!!!
The most common thing I find in Counoise is a bright cherry/strawberry scent.oftentimes w/ a somewhat earthy/rustic character.
On the palate, again a cherry character and a marked earthiness. Typically, they're on the lighter side in Calif.
Not had many pure Counoise from France (Monpertis is one). It reminds me a lot of Trousseau from the Jura, but more bright fruit.
Probably the best from Calif is the TablasCreek. The TammarackCllrs/WashState is also quite good. It's seldom seen as
a mono-varital...most often used in blends. Not had one from AZ.
Tom

I worked with Counoise grown in Paso Robles West side for a few years, and liked it quite a bit. It seems to make a wine that tends toward brightness, good acidity, very well-mannered tannins. Makes lovely rosé, as well as being a great component in a blend, for its ability to lift, and to provide structure, and freshness, and charm.

Tom's description sounds very much like the Broc Cellars bottle I tried. Definitely the darkest and richest of this season;s club shipment, but still bright in character with good acid.

[Jenise]

The TammarackCllrs/WashState is also quite good. It's seldom seen as
a mono-varietal...most often used in blends. Not had one from AZ.
Tom

Tom, thank you for mentioning this. I'm doing a tasting on oddball grape varieties this month, and I've had trouble locating WA-based sources for same. Just ordered six bottles of this--just what I need.

Counoise from the west coast. I would suggest find the real one!

Counoise from the west coast. I would suggest find the real one!

Bob,
Any recommendations on French Counoise? The Monpertuis is the only one I've found.
Mostly it's just blended away.
Tom

Monpertuis, I believe is not 100 % Counoise there may be some Alicante.

Salute