From: Pays d’Oc, France
Varietal: Petit Verdot
Taste: The 2021 Coudoulet Petit Verdot is an exceptional value, showcasing the expertise of the Ournac family in crafting distinctive, high-quality wines. The wine presents a deep, inky purple hue, and on the nose, it offers an inviting bouquet of dark black fruits, spicy undertones, and hints of dried herbs. Upon tasting, the palate is treated to a medley of flavors, including ripe blueberries, blackberries, and candied violets, along with a touch of jamminess. The wine's velvety tannins provide a classic Bordeaux-like structure, while its lively acidity and mineral-tinged finish leave a lasting impression. This Petit Verdot is a testament to Camille Ournac's skill in harnessing the grape's potential in the warm climate of the Pays d'Oc.
Pairing: As a Petit Verdot from a warmer climate, it’s also a versatile wine, pairing beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its spicy character and robust tannins make it an excellent companion for charred flavors found in barbecue-cooked foods, while its fruity profile allows it to shine alongside contemporary favorites like pizza, tacos, and a juicy hamburger. For vegetarian options, consider dishes that incorporate earthy elements such as mushrooms, eggplant, Mediterranean spices, olives, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. This Petit Verdot also complements heartier vegetarian fare like lentils, farro, risotto, and roasted tomato pastas or tartine’s, as exampled below!
Roasted Tomato and Eggplant Tartine
Recipe from Marc Murphy
Adapted by Elaine Louie
About. Domaine Coudoulet, a family-owned winery since 1840, nestled in the picturesque Minervois village of Cesseras near the Spanish border, has been producing first-class wines at astonishingly low prices. Today, Pierre-André Ournac leads the winery alongside his son Camille and nephew Guillaume. With a 94-hectare vineyard featuring 20 grape varieties, Domaine Coudoulet offers a range of excellent wines, and the 2021 Domaine Coudoulet Petit Verdot Pays d'Oc IGT is no exception.
Traditionally, Petit Verdot has been a minor blending grape in the world-famous Bordeaux wine blend. However, as the grape spread to warmer climates, winemakers discovered its potential for creating bold, fruity-yet-floral red wines that easily stand on their own. The climate of the Pays d'Oc allows for a single-varietal Petit Verdot to showcase its charm, appearing like a friendlier Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux.
Under the skilled guidance of the Ournac family, Domaine Coudoulet has progressively replanted their vineyards over the last 15 years, replacing traditional varieties with Syrah, Chardonnay, and Viognier. Grown on clay-chalk soils, their top red wine, Château de Cesseras, La Livinière, made predominantly from Syrah, boasts great depth, richness, and class. Pierre-André Ournac was among the first to realize the potential of La Livinière, crafting one of its finest wines. This polished and evocative wine has not lost sight of its provenance, retaining a strong sense of place.
The Pays d'Oc IGT, one of the most important IGP classifications in France, corresponds roughly to the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region, with a Mediterranean climate featuring hot, dry summers and mild winters. The region produces a wide range of wine styles, thanks to its diverse terroir and permitted grape varieties. The 2021 Domaine Coudoulet Petit Verdot Pays d'Oc IGT is an exceptional example of the quality and value that can be found in the region's wines.
Praised by Ben Giliberti, CW Director of Wine Education, as his "Bargain Red Wine of the Year," the 2021 Domaine Coudoulet Petit Verdot offers voluptuous and dazzlingly fruity flavors, plush tannins, and a resoundingly energetic, mineral-tinged finish. If you're seeking a friendly, versatile, and delightful red wine at an unbeatable price, look no further than the 2021 Domaine Coudoulet Petit Verdot Pays d'Oc IGT.