Counoise grapevines for sale

Counoise Grapevine | Grow, Care & Planting Guide

Counoise is a lightly colored red grape variety valued primarily as a blending component for its freshness, spice, and aromatic lift. While rarely bottled as a single-varietal wine, it plays an important role in adding brightness and balance to richer, more tannic varieties. The grape is known for its lively acidity and expressive fruit character.

  • Originated in the southern Rhône Valley of France
  • Ripening Period: Late season
  • High vigor
  • Moderate yield
Availability

Preferred Climate

Counoise performs best in a warm, dry Mediterranean climate with a long growing season. It benefits from ample sunlight to achieve full ripeness while maintaining its naturally bright acidity.

Growth Characteristics

Counoise produces large clusters of medium-sized berries with relatively thin skins, contributing to lighter color extraction and moderate tannin levels. The vine exhibits high vigor and requires careful canopy management to control growth and ensure even ripening. It ripens late and requires warm conditions to fully mature, making site selection important in cooler vintages. Its structure and acidity make it particularly useful in blends where freshness and lift are desired.

How to Plant & Care for Counoise Grapevines

  • Pre-irrigate soil 24 hours before planting
  • Acclimate the grapevine to site temperature before planting
  • Remove any plastic pot before planting a green potted grapevine
  • Plant the vine so the graft union is ~6 inches above the soil line
  • Install a plant protector over the vine
  • Irrigate based on soil type and site conditions
  • View our planting guides for in-depth instructions
Green Potted Vine Planting GuideDormant Bareroot Vine Planting Guide

Wine Profile

Counoise wines are typically light to medium-bodied with bright acidity and soft tannins. Aromatically, they display red fruits such as strawberry and raspberry, along with peppery spice and subtle herbal notes. On the palate, they are fresh and lively, with a light texture and a clean, lifted finish. In blends, Counoise contributes vibrancy, aromatic complexity, and structural balance, helping to moderate alcohol and enhance overall elegance.

Clones

FPS 1 - Moderate to high vigor, moderate high yield. Large cluster sizes.