Winemaker Cameron Stark has many talents!

Unionville Vineyards in New Jersey has released a 2013 Counoise.  The label name is Amwell Ridge Vineyard Counoise and is bottled as a single varietal wine.

The Counoise grape variety is typically found in the southern Rhone region of France. According to the National Grape Registry the Counoise grape is also known as Aubon, Caula, Conese, Connoges, Connoise, Counese, Couneso, Counoiso, Counoueiso, Damas noir, Grosse Rogettaz, Guenoise, Moustardier and Quennoise.

A few regions in the US are planting the Counoise grape. Look to the West Coast of the United States particularly California and Washington State for most Counoise vineyards. Frequently Counoise is found in wine blends. A very few wineries are also bottling Counoise as a single varietal.

According to the Rhone Rangers website: “It [Counoise] is a deep purple-red, and has a rich spicy character, with flavors of anise, strawberries and blueberries. Counoise’s moderate alcohol and tannins make it a good complement for Syrah, balancing that grape’s characteristic intense spice, strong tannins and high alcohol.”

Unionville Vineyards located on the East Coast in New Jersey is producing Counoise as a single varietal wine. The winery describes their recently released Amwell Ridge Vineyard Counoise in the following way.  “Aromas of rose petals, violets, blackberries, and blueberries, all surrounded by a note of white pepper. Beautiful. On the palate, notes of blueberry and blackberry, hints of sweet vanilla, again with the white pepper surrounding. The finish is long with flavors of blueberry and a lasting white pepper glow.”

For those interested in  food and wine pairings, Unionville Vineyards and Winery suggests pairing Counoise with vegetable stew, squash soup or duck.

This 2013 Counoise is available for $26 at the winery which is open daily. Shipping Unionville Vineyards’ wines is also available online from the winery.

Want to know more about Unionville Vineyards? Check out our online article on Wine Trail Traveler.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Kathy