Veni, Vino, Variety

116 - Counoise

• Pekka Salokannel • Season 1 • Episode 116

🍷 Episode 116: Counoise – The Blend’s Best-Kept Secret

In today’s episode, we’re shining a warm spotlight on a grape that’s usually behind the scenes—but adds so much character to the wine in your glass. We're getting to know Counoise: a bright, spicy, red gem from the Rhône Valley with loads of charm and not nearly enough fame.

In this episode, you'll learn:

- Why Counoise is a standout in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape blend lineup 
- What makes it such a food-friendly wine, from roasted veggies to lamb couscous 
- How Counoise brings lift, red fruit, and playful spice to both blends and single-varietals 
- Where it’s thriving outside France (hint: sunny California is in the mix!) 
- A quirky grape mix-up story that had wine growers scratching their heads 

If you're a fan of under-the-radar grapes with big personality, you’ll love this flavorful deep dive. Don’t forget to follow the show and keep exploring the world of wine one grape at a time. Cheers! 🥂

6 sec intro

21 sec outro