Chateau Courac Cotes du Rhone 2021 750ml

Product Info

92pts Wine Review Online
I always enjoy finding a bottle that outperforms its price point, and Château Courac’s Côtes du Rhône does just that. It provides nuance and complexity that is not normally found at under-$15 prices. Its bouquet is earth driven with potting soil, wet leaves, and dried cranberry while its flavors bright with red fruit ranging from wild strawberry to tart pomegranate. This Côtes du Rhône is nicely balanced, with both the acidity and tannic structure to enjoy with food or as a solo glass. Rhône red blends are well known for their approachability and widely appreciated within both the early drinker and experienced consumer categories. This is a bottle to purchase and drink – no need for further aging. -Vince Simmon December 2024

Terroir
Château Courac is situated in the southern Rhône Valley, near the eastern edge of the appellation where the influence of the Rhône River and the foothills of the Massif Central converge. The estate’s vineyards are rooted in a classic mosaic of galets roulés, sandy clay, and limestone, soils that provide both excellent drainage and reflective warmth while preserving freshness through their mineral composition.

This part of the southern Rhône benefits from abundant sunlight tempered by the Mistral wind, which naturally regulates vine health, reduces disease pressure, and contributes to slower, more even ripening. The vineyards experience warm days and notably cooler nights, allowing grapes to achieve full phenolic maturity without sacrificing acidity. The 2021 vintage, cooler and more restrained than surrounding years, favored elegance over power—yielding wines with freshness, clarity of fruit, and refined structure.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Château Courac approaches winemaking with a restrained, traditional philosophy that emphasizes transparency of fruit and terroir over extraction or oak-driven intensity. The blend is dominated by Grenache, supported by Syrah and Mourvèdre, each contributing balance and complexity to the final wine.

Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and fermented in temperature-controlled tanks to preserve aromatic precision. Extraction is gentle, favoring infusion rather than force, which allows the wine to develop supple tannins and a polished mouthfeel. Aging occurs primarily in neutral vessels, ensuring that oak plays a supporting role rather than shaping the wine’s identity. The result is a Côtes du Rhône that feels honest, expressive, and distinctly place-driven.

Tasting Notes
The 2021 Château Courac Côtes du Rhône opens with an inviting and classically Southern Rhône aromatic profile. Ripe black cherry, raspberry, and red plum form the core, layered with notes of garrigue—thyme, lavender, and bay leaf—alongside hints of cracked pepper and warm stone.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and beautifully composed. Grenache brings a supple, rounded fruit character, while Syrah adds depth, spice, and a gentle savory edge. Flavors of dark berry compote, black cherry skin, and subtle licorice unfold across the mid-palate, supported by fresh acidity that keeps the wine lively and balanced. Tannins are fine-grained and well integrated, lending structure without heaviness.

The finish is clean and persistent, marked by lingering notes of red fruit, dried herbs, and a faint mineral echo that reflects the limestone influence of the soils. Overall, the wine shows a sense of restraint and harmony that sets it apart from more overtly powerful expressions of the appellation.

Food Pairing & Service
This Côtes du Rhône is highly versatile at the table and shines alongside a wide range of savory dishes. It pairs particularly well with herb-roasted chicken, grilled lamb sausages, beef stew, or pork tenderloin with rosemary and garlic. Its herbal undertones complement Mediterranean cuisine beautifully, including ratatouille, lentil dishes, and grilled vegetables. For a simpler pairing, it works effortlessly with charcuterie, aged cheeses, or a rustic pizza.

Serve at 60–64°F (15–18°C) in a standard red wine glass. While approachable upon opening, a brief 20–30 minutes of air enhances aromatic expression and softens the tannins further. The wine is drinking well now but will continue to show nicely over the next 4–6 years, gaining subtle savory complexity with time.