From: Cahors, Southwest France, France
Varietal: Malbec
Taste: Coutale Rosé captivates with its stunning color, showcasing a robust salmon hue. Thanks to a cold pre-fermentation maturation of a few hours, this rosé surprises with the intensity of its aromas. It presents bright and juicy red berries on the palate, complemented by spice and the faintest hint of salinity. The wine is fruity, ample, and tasty, with the acidity and structure perfectly balanced. The finish is persistent and silky, leaving an elegant impression of spices and salinity that lingers gracefully.
Pairing: Coutale Rosé, with its bright and juicy red berry flavors, touch of spice, and hint of salinity, pairs wonderfully with various foods. Seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp, seared scallops, or a fresh seafood salad perfectly complement the wine's acidity and touch of salinity. Like grilled chicken or turkey with herbs, light poultry dishes work well with their fruity and spicy notes. A summer salad with goat cheese, strawberries, and a light vinaigrette enhances the rosé's fresh and fruity character. Soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, or mild goat cheese balance the wine's acidity and silky finish beautifully. Light pasta dishes with a tomato or basil pesto sauce highlight the rosé's elegant finish and fruitiness. Mediterranean cuisine, including grilled vegetables, tabbouleh, or a Greek salad, can further enhance the wine's complexity and fresh flavors, creating a delightful culinary experience.
Grilled Tuna With Herbs and Olives
By Mark Bittman
About: Clos de Coutale is a renowned winery in the historic Cahors region of southwestern France, famous for its robust and flavorful wines primarily crafted from the Malbec grape. Situated in an area producing wines since Roman times, Clos de Coutale was founded in 1895 by the Bernède family. Today, it is managed by Philippe Bernède, who honors the family's winemaking traditions while incorporating modern techniques. The winery's vineyards are planted on the limestone-rich terraces of the Lot Valley, an ideal terroir with well-draining soils and a favorable microclimate for growing Malbec. Alongside Malbec, Clos de Coutale also cultivates Merlot and Tannat, which are often blended to create wines with complexity and balance.
The winemaking process at Clos de Coutale blends traditional methods with contemporary innovations, combining stainless steel tanks and oak barrels to enhance their wines' structure and flavor profile. The flagship wine, Clos de Coutale Cahors, is typically a blend of Malbec, Merlot, and Tannat, known for its deep color, rich tannins, and flavors of dark fruit, spices, and earthy notes. The winery also produces special cuvées or limited-edition wines that showcase the best of their vineyard's production.
