Domaine Coudoulet produces first-class wines at absurdly low prices. Brothers Jean-Yves and Peirre-André Ournac are the 6th generation to produce wines here. Like other growers in the area, they have progressively replanted their vineyards over the last 15 years. The vines are grown on clay-chalk soils and part of the property qualifies for the Minervois appellation, and sub region La Livinière, where Syrah and Carignan are planted.
Their top red wine, the Château de Cesseras, is made from predominantly Syrah and has great depth, richness and class. There are two Cuvées: La Livinière and Olric.
The power of the red wines of the La Livinière region comes from amazing south facing slopes, facing the blazing mediterranean sun, with scarcely 400 to 500 mm of rain each year. But this solar character is fortunately tempered by the currents of air descending the slopes at night. Hence the sensation of freshness, the delicacy and the sweetness of the tannins of these wines. The mesmerizing expressions of “northern” syrah associated with the Grenache and Carignan southerners provides powerful and elegant wines.
This wine is the Cuvée Olric and is packed with peppery plums, blackberries and prunes with floral notes. Liquorice and fig back this up on the finish with touches of garrigue. Good acidity and silky tannins make this a vigorous, lusty, well balanced wine full of the southern French sunshine.
