Sensitive to the wind because its branches are fine and brittle, it requires perfect sunlight to develop its aromas to the maximum and should be harvested very early in the morning because its juice is sensitive to oxidation.
Counoise
Counoise, also known as “Moustardier” is a black grape variety of Spanish origin, widely grown in the south of France. Its bunches are of medium size, but its grapes are large. It’s best to prune it short to keep its production balanced. Its ripening period is the second stage but production depends on the vintage. The Counoise gives a fine, fruity, supple wine with good acidity, with notes of fruit, flowers and spices. Its colour is more or less dark and brilliant and it’s an accessory grape variety which shouldn’t exceed 10% of the grape variety.
Mourvèdre
Of Spanish, and more precisely Catalan, origin, Mourvèdre has been cultivated in France since the end of the middle ages on the Mediterranean coast, especially in Provence. A vigorous and warm late-budding grape variety, Mourvèdre produces a powerful, colourful and tannic wine. It provides wines with beautiful aromas with notes of stewed fruit, leather or animals. The intensity and quality of its aromas increase with ageing. It adds complexity and good ageing potential to wines dominated by the Syrah-Grenache blend. It is one of the so-called “complementary” grape varieties of the appellation, together with Syrah. Together they should represent at least 20% of the grape variety.