Domaine le Couroulu
Guy Ricard is the third generation to manage this domaine (named after the curlew bird – couroulu being the provençal dialect) in the village of Vacqueyras in the southern Rhône valley. They own 13 hectares of prime vineyard sites on south facing terraces of chalky soil, with a stony topsoil, typical of the area. Grenache is the major variety, and, as is traditional for the region, is blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre and is aged for 6-9moths in foudres. These wines will age for up to 8 years but are already delicious at between 3 and 5 years, and regarded as some of the very bets of the village.