Summary: Les Courtilles (a series of small courtyards) is named after the village winery founded in 1997 by Bernard Schurr. Here Bernard had the ambition of crafting small batches of wines with individual character and charm. Les Courtilles Cotes du Rhone is sourced from 35-year-old vines on the right bank of the Rhone between Orange and Avignon. 

Winemaking: A core blend of primarily Grenache was hand-harvested and de-stemmed before a long cold soak and fermentation in small concrete vats, pumped over twice daily. Transferred to a stainless-steel tank to finish fermentation before blending with a component (20%) of barrel-matured Cotes de Rhone Villages fruit from the Plan de Dieu, adding depth, complexity and structure to the wine whilst also increasing cellaring potential.  

2018 Vintage: An outstanding vintage for the region with yields just a little more than 2017 but still down on previous vintages. Excellent weather throughout September, with fairly cool and sunny conditions, low humidity had all helped the grapes ripen fully, and ensured they remained in excellent health. September’s weather was key allowing vignerons to harvest at peak ripeness.

Tasting Note: Textbook Cotes du Rhone, offering up a nose of dark berried fruit, savoury undergrowth, a hint of oak and sweet spice. The palate kicks off with a burst of supple red berry and sweet cherry flavours balanced by bright acidity and nicely textured tannins underpinned by an innate earthiness. Beautifully balanced and flavoursome, this is great Cotes du Rhone that will deliver relaxed drinking pleasure in the mid-term. Best drunk with pork belly and a red wine jus.

The below information is available for stockists of this product.

Bottle Barcode: 3525490096311

Carton Barcode: 3525490096310

Les Courtilles Cotes du Rhone Tasting Note 2018

Les Courtilles Cotes du Rhone Bottle Image