Coursodon Estate

#PROPERTY: History & Terroir

The history of Domaine Coursodon

Domaine Coursodon, located in the Rhône Valley, is a family heritage deeply rooted in winemaking tradition. Founded at the end of the 19th century by Antonin Coursodon and his father Jean-Auguste, the estate was created with the ambition of producing fine wines. Antonin was a true ambassador for Coursodon wines from the 1930s onwards, actively participating in the renowned Tain-Tournon wine fairs. His passion and commitment laid the solid foundations for a reputation that continues to this day.

In the 1950s, Gustave Coursodon, Antonin's son, took over the reins of the family domaine with an innovative vision. Renowned for his authenticity and generosity, Gustave first sold his wine in Paris, shipping barrels by train to Parisian cafés. An innovator at heart, he quickly took up the challenge of marketing his wine in bottles, making him a pioneer of modern viticulture in the region. This switch to bottling marked a decisive turning point for the distribution of Coursodon wines, opening up new commercial prospects.

Domaine Pierre et Jérôme Coursodon

Pierre Coursodon, son of Gustave, joined the estate in the 1970s, bringing with him a deep conviction in the potential of the Saint-Joseph terroir. For Pierre, quality was essential to the long-term future of Coursodon wines. He therefore replanted vines on hillside plots that had previously been neglected due to the difficulty of working them. This demanding approach has reinforced the uniqueness and quality of the estate's wines. Since 1998, Jérôme Coursodon, the fifth generation, has taken over, perpetuating this quest for excellence with a meticulous and innovative approach. His precise work and attention to detail have elevated Coursodon wines to the rank of almost irreproachable references in the Saint-Joseph appellation, testifying to the heritage and constant commitment of the Coursodon family.

The terroir of Domaine Coursodon, in Mauves

Domaine Coursodon, located in the heart of the Saint-Joseph appellation, benefits from an exceptional terroir that gives its wines their unique character and complexity.

The climate of the Saint-Joseph region plays a crucial role in the quality of Domaine Coursodon wines. Located in the northern Rhône Valley, the estate enjoys a temperate continental climate, with hot, dry summers and cold winters. The south- and southeast-facing slopes ensure excellent exposure to the sun, favoring optimal ripening of the grapes. Cool valley winds help regulate temperature and maintain good ventilation in the vines, reducing the risk of disease. This combination of climatic factors enables the grape varieties, notably Syrah for the reds and Marsanne for the whites, to develop complex aromas and beautiful concentration.

Domaine Coursodon's soil is just as decisive for the quality of its wines. The plots are mainly composed of shallow, granitic soils that drain water well, forcing the vine roots to dig deep into the soil for concentrated aromas. Some parcels also benefit from a 50% clay terroir, which adds another dimension of complexity and richness to the wines. The schist and granite present in the soils add distinct mineral characteristics, essential to the identity of the domaine's wines. This diverse terroir, worked by hand due to its difficult access, ensures that Domaine Coursodon wines have a unique signature and consistent quality.

#WINES FROM THE ESTATE: Appellations and Cuvées

The Saint-Joseph appellation

The Saint-Joseph appellation, located in the northern Rhône Valley, is one of the region's oldest and most prestigious. Created in 1956, it stretches for some 50 kilometers along the right bank of the Rhône, covering 26 communes in two départements: Ardèche and Loire. Saint-Joseph vineyards are planted mainly on steep, often terraced hillsides, benefiting from ideal exposure and a unique terroir. This appellation is renowned for producing Syrah-based red wines, as well as white wines made from Marsanne and Roussanne grapes.

Discover our selection of Saint-Joseph wines

Domaine Coursodon vintages and wines

Domaine Coursodon wines reflect an exceptional terroir and meticulous craftsmanship, offering cuvées that seduce with their elegance and complexity.

White wines :

Saint-Joseph Silice white
Saint-Joseph Le Paradis Saint-Pierre white

Red wines :

Saint-Joseph Silice red
Saint-Joseph L'Olivaie
Saint-Joseph Le Paradis Saint-Pierre red
Saint-Joseph La Sensonne
Saint-Joseph Le Mythe du Paradis Saint-Pierre

Cuvée Silice blanc, made from 100% Marsanne grapes, is one of Domaine Coursodon's signature wines. Grown on clay and granite soils, this wine reveals all the freshness and minerality of its grape variety. The grapes are harvested by hand, guaranteeing rigorous selection. Vinification is meticulous, with gentle pneumatic pressing and natural alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. On the palate, Cuvée Silice Blanc is distinguished by a silky attack, a perfect balance between acidity and alcohol, and remarkable persistence. Its primary aromas of fruit and flowers make it an ideal companion for seafood or as an aperitif.

Domaine Coursodon's red wines, such as the cuvée Silice rouge, are made from Syrah, an emblematic grape variety of the region. Produced from very low yields, this wine is grown on schist and granite terroirs offering ideal south-south-east exposure. Hand-harvesting and traditional vinification, with pre-fermentation cold maceration and ageing in oak barrels, give Silice rouge an intense purple hue. The nose reveals racy notes of red fruits and spices, while the palate is full-bodied with soft tannins and a long, elegant finish. Perfect with refined meat dishes, this wine will improve with a few years cellaring, expressing all the richness and typicity of Saint-Joseph wines.

#IN BRIEF: Figures

Region : Rhône Valley
Appellation : Saint-Joseph
Surface area : 17 hectares (14 Ha Red, 3 Ha White)
Red grape varieties : 100% Syrah
White grape varieties : 70% Marsanne, 20% Roussanne, 10% Viognier
Vine culture : Reasoned