2023 Château Courac Empreinte Côtes du Rhône France

Château Courac Empreinte is a beautiful expression of the Rhône Valley's rich winemaking heritage. A full-bodied, balanced and classic red wine that successfully combines power with fruit-driven elegance. The vines at Château Courac are between 30 and 50 years old, and the grapes are left to achieve full ripeness before harvest. The Arnaud family pursues modern elegance as their guiding principle, reflected in a production process where the grapes are gently pressed, destemmed and fermented in traditional concrete tanks. The result is a wine with soft, velvety tannins and a nuanced aromatic profile. Courac uses a higher proportion of Syrah than is typical in the Southern Rhône, drawing inspiration from the famed Northern Rhône appellation of Saint-Joseph. Deep ruby red in colour with subtle purple hues, the bouquet offers ripe blackcurrants, cherries and sweet liquorice, supported by delicate notes of smoke and Provençal herbs. Hints of orange peel add freshness and lift. Rich and fruit-driven on the palate with a long and inviting finish. A captivating Rhône red that pairs beautifully with hearty casseroles, dark poultry, roast pork loin, herb-crusted lamb and especially a well-marbled ribeye steak.