At a glance

Producer

Domaine de Courbissac

Region

Corbières, Languedoc, France

Grape variety

Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah (typical blends for Les Traverses)

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$18-$25

Tasting profile

Red berry fruit, subtle spice, herbal notes with slight earthiness

Evolution: Fruit deepens to darker berries and plum, tertiary notes of leather and tobacco emerge

At peak: Balanced integration of fruit, spice and savory complexity with silky tannins

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to bright acidity providing freshness

Tannins

Medium ripeness, supple and structured

Alcohol

13.5%

Aging potential

8-10 years from vintage date

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2029

Optimal window

2023 to 2030

Current status

Approaching optimal drinking window, young but accessible

Current condition

Fresh vibrant fruit, developing complexity

The 2021 vintage in Corbières produced balanced wines with fresh acidity and refined tannins, allowing medium-term aging. The sun-ripened Grenache-Mourvèdre-Syrah blend typically gains complexity after several years while maintaining its vibrant fruit character.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb, ratatouille, herbed roasted chicken, Mediterranean vegetable dishes, aged cheese

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — To soften tannins and open up aromatics

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Moderate water conservation, minimal chemical use, some use of cover crops and natural pest management

While Domaine de Courbissac does not appear to have formal sustainability certifications, the producer shows awareness of environmental impact through integrated pest management and water-saving irrigation. Packaging uses standard glass bottles with moderate weight. Local transport within Europe helps reduce overall carbon emissions compared to long-haul imports.