Domaine Coursodon : L'Olivaie 2021

Characteristics and tasting tips for L'Olivaie 2021 from Domaine Coursodon

Tasting

Color

The color reveals a deep and intense garnet red, enhanced by purple highlights at the rim of the glass, bearing witness to the wine's youth and the purity of the Syrah expression.

Nose

The nose expresses a spicy and smoky character, revealing aromas of spring flowers, forest floor, blackcurrant, and black cherry. With aeration, peppery notes, pencil lead, licorice, and black olive enrich the aromatic palette.

Palate

On the palate, the wine unfolds with beautiful power and remarkable length, supported by tight and silky tannins. The palate expresses a fruity concentration accompanied by saline minerality and a subtle spicy complexity. The finish stretches out for a long time, demonstrating the wine's balance and depth.

Food and wine pairings

This wine is an ideal accompaniment to a ribeye steak or grilled prime rib. It also pairs perfectly with feathered game served with candied fruit and vegetables with bacon, roast lamb with Herbes de Provence, as well as regional cheeses like Saint-Marcellin or country terrines.

Service and cellaring

L'Olivaie 2021 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. It is advisable to aerate it 15 to 30 minutes before serving to allow the aromas to fully express themselves. This wine can be appreciated until around 2030, or even until 2033 under optimal cellaring conditions.

A powerful and mineral Saint-Joseph from Domaine Coursodon

The estate

Founded at the end of the 19th century by Antonin and Jean-Auguste Coursodon, Domaine Coursodon is established in Mauves, the historic cradle of the Saint-Joseph appellation in the northern Rhône Valley. Today managed by Jérôme Coursodon, the fifth generation of winemakers since 1998, the estate extends over 16 hectares of vines. Recognized for its commitment to sustainable viticulture and its respect for the granite terroir, the estate produces pure and mineral wines that faithfully express their origin. Jérôme's philosophy is based on attention to detail and the constant search for excellence.

The vineyard

The L'Olivaie plot is located in the commune of Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, within the Saint-Joseph appellation. Planted exclusively with high-density Syrah (8,500 vines per hectare), it rests on friable granite soil. The vineyard benefits from a southern exposure on very steep slopes, guaranteeing optimal sunshine. The proximity of the Doux valley brings refreshing breezes that preserve the freshness and acidity of the grapes. Yields are voluntarily limited to around 32 hectoliters per hectare, and all vineyard work is carried out manually.

The vintage

The 2021 winter in the Rhône Valley was marked by an intense frost episode affecting many French vineyards. A milder spring allowed for flowering at the end of May, followed by particularly rainy months of June and July. Weather instability continued between mid-July and mid-August. Rains at the end of August favored optimal ripening, allowing for the harvest of grapes with beautiful generosity and remarkable balance.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for L'Olivaie 2021 are harvested manually in small crates and then sorted on a table. After destemming, they are placed in open vats for an 18-day maceration with spontaneous alcoholic fermentation using indigenous yeasts, at a temperature of approximately 16°C. Two daily pump-overs or punch-downs ensure homogeneous extraction. The wine is then aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, including 15% new oak. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration.

Grape variety

100% Syrah