Description
Petite Syrah is a cross between Syrah and Peloursin – a rare variety from the French Alps. There are only a few hectares left under cultivation in France. In the US it is also know as Durif (though probable separate varietals).
Following a tasting of a Napa Valley Petite Syrah, Domaine Coudoulet planted their own vines in 2010 in the plots named Sautel and La Fontaine Fraiche of clay-limestone marls. These vines also serve as a mother root-stock when grafts are taken for other varietals.
The wine is made from grapes destemmed at harvest and undergo traditional vinification with ageing in stainless steel vats for 6 months.
Labels of the Ournac Frères range feature graphics of the political newspapers of 1900 where their great-great-grandfather and his brother, though wine merchants, also exercised their talents as caricaturists. The drawing is taken from an engraving of a Pointer – le Braque – the favourite canine of each generation of Domaine Coudoulet winegrowers.
Tasting Notes: deep garnet/purple colour; a nose of ripe stewed fruits and soft garrigue notes. An impressive palate of mulberry and blackberry. Full bodied with a touch of pepper bringing a long smooth and rounded finish.
Food pairing suggestions: meat – roasted pork, barbecue beef, beef burgers; veg – sautéed mushroom, aubergine, black beans, stuffed peppers
