Domaine Houchart Cotes de Provence Rouge

An excellent red from the land of rosé, the Famille Quiot Domaine Houchart Cotes de Provence Rouge.

30% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cinsault from 30 year old vines in Provence, France. 20% of the vats are bled for the rosé, which provides more concentration for this wine. It is aged for 10 to 12 months in barrels and large vats.

Sample submitted for review. The Domaine Houchart Cotes de Provence Rouge has an SRP of $15 and is available for as low as $12. Imported by USA Wine Imports, David Milligan Selections.

From the bottle:

Owned by the Quiot family from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the estate, which lies at the foot of Mont Sainte Victoire, near Aix-en-Provence has recently been enlarged to over 200 acres and the winemaking facilities have been totally renewed. Planted with Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre. Full of fruit, rich and spicy in flavor.

14% Alcohol

While rosé is what usually comes to mind when you think of Provence, don’t overlook the red wines of this area as well. Making up about a third of the region’s output, there are quite a few gems to be found. Today’s pick is just one example.

The 2015 Domaine Houchart Cotes de Provence Rouge opens with pleasant notes of black cherry and blackberry plus a little licorice, garrigue and spice. To be honest, I wasn’t sure about this one when I first popped it open but a little air goes a long way and this wine transforms quickly. In the mouth it has similar flavors to the nose, with good concentration of tart fruit and nice structure. Good acidity and fine tannins lead into the long, dry, grippy finish. Excellent stuff!

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