Domaines des Bouzons Cotes du Rhone “La Friandise”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Counoise is a relatively unknown grape variety originating from Spain and offered to the Pope of Avignon Urban V in the 14th century.
- “La Friandise” roughly translate to a “treat” or something that pleases everyone.
- The average age of the vines are 45 years.
Varietal Composition: 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Counoise
Elaboration: Hand picking and full stemming. 14-day vatting in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats. Light filtration then bottling on location at the Domaine.
Tasting Notes: Ruby red color. The nose is dominated by red fruits. Round fruity and spicy.
PRESS
2018 – 90 James Suckling
2020 – 90 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Located in the Meridional (southern) part of the French Côtes du Rhône appellation, just west of Châteauneuf du Pape, Domaine des Bouzons has been in the same family for six generations. Today, Marc Serguier, his wife, and son, Nicolas, manage the 30-hectare vineyard, surrounded by historic hilltop villages and fields of lavender.
The property, just 15 minutes north of Avignon, has a long history dating back to the 1600s when a Serguier ancestor built a “mas” – an iconic type of stone farmhouse found in the Languedoc Roussillon region. A touchstone to the past is the estate’s crystal-clear spring that flowed 400 years ago and still enhances the property today.