Counoise

Grape variety	Counoise
Grape colour	Red grape
Characteristics of the wine	The Counoise grape produces wines with a light to medium body, a bright ruby color, and a distinctive spicy character. The wines are typically high in acidity with low tannins, making them excellent for blending. Flavors often include notes of fresh red fruits, white pepper, and herbs. While the grape is mostly used in blends, varietal wines made with Counoise can also be fresh and aromatic, with a zesty, peppery edge.
Synonyms	Counoise Noir, Aubun, Moustardier Noir, and Damas Noir
History	Counoise is a dark-skinned grape variety native to Southern France, primarily grown in the Rhône wine region. Its history dates back to the 1300s when it was first mentioned in the records of the Pope's vineyard in Avignon. Despite its long history, the grape was nearly extinct in the 1960s but was revived by the efforts of winemakers in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region.
Ampelographic features	Counoise vines are known for their high resistance to drought, making them ideal for the dry climates of Southern France. The grape has small, round berries with vibrant blue-black skins. The vines are vigorous and tend to produce a high yield, which requires careful pruning to maintain quality.