# Château Courac Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun (2021)

- **Producer:** Château Courac
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black pepper, ripe fruit, black plum, black cherry

## About this wine

Château Courac Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun 2021 is a red wine from the Southern Rhône Valley. The Arnaud family, with a long history in winemaking, acquired Château Courac in 1995 and has since focused on enhancing the vineyards and winery. The estate is situated in an area with historical Roman significance. The Laudun appellation has recently achieved full appellation contrôlée status, placing it in a similar category to other well-known Rhône appellations. The 2021 vintage, despite being a challenging year, showcases the wine's concentration and structure.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards are planted on land with Roman history.
- Laudun appellation is now on par with Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
- Estate is described as a 'picture-perfect property'.
- Some vineyards are transitioning to organic farming.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and rounded tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of red meats and game. Its inherent fruitiness can stand up to robust flavors, while any subtle peppery notes can echo spices in dishes.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Château Courac Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun involves de-stemming the grapes before vatting, which lasts between 10 and 21 days at temperatures ranging from 21-28°C. This controlled fermentation aims to extract key components from the grapes. Following fermentation, the wine is aged with minimal use of oak to preserve the fruit's character and ensure approachability. The estate employs environmentally friendly farming practices, with some vineyards undergoing conversion to organic production. Cover-cropping is also utilized in the vineyards.