Cornas

Located east of the city of Valence, the commune of Cornas benefits from a unique terroir combining the complexity of a semi-continental climate influenced by the Mediterranean and the richness of clay-sand, granitic soils rich in iron oxide. 

The soils of the Cornas vineyard are characterized by some silty granite and gneiss deposits, with the vines planted on very steep granite terraces supported by low walls. Facing south/southeast, the vineyard enjoys excellent sunshine. Its orientation gives this appellation early ripeness. It is the first to be harvested for red wine in the northern Côtes du Rhône. Syrah is the only grape variety authorized throughout this appellation area.

The cultivated area of Cornas covers approximately 116 hectares, with annual production limited to around 4,200 hectoliters of wine. The grape variety used for Cornas wines is exclusively Syrah noir, which gives them a rich aromatic palette, an interesting tannin structure, and their deep color. Vinification begins with a long vatting period, followed by two years of aging in wooden barrels. 

The aromas of wines from the Cornas appellation initially reveal ripe red and black fruits such as redcurrants, blackberries, and blueberries. Secondary aromas are more distinctive, hinting at licorice, pepper, and truffles. The Cornas red wine can be stored in the cellar for an average of four to fifteen years from its vintage and should be served and tasted at a temperature of between 18 and 19 degrees to perfectly reveal its aromatic palette. The vines in this region produce grapes that have a knack for leaving their aromatic notes on the palate.

The purchase of Cornas

The Cornas vineyard includes several renowned wineries offering complex wines, some of whose vintages fly the flag for the Rhône wine region. 

Alain Voge is the perfect example of a perfectly balanced wine. This family estate is one of the most renowned in the region, and purchasing an Alain Voge wine guarantees you will discover a wine that expresses the entire terroir of the Côte du Rhône vineyard. The 2013 Cornas vintage is an exceptional wine that showcases the family's expertise in winemaking. The same is true of Chapoutier's Cornas, which offers terroir wines produced using traditional winemaking methods. The grapes are harvested by hand and fermentation, which lasts around ten days, is followed by a long maceration period of three weeks. Chapoutier's Cornas is then aged 80% in French oak barrels and the remaining 20% in concrete vats. This method preserves the minerality of the wine. Chapoutier's Cornas has dense tannins and a long finish on the palate. Its purple hues give depth to this wine, which is ideal with marinated meat or a large piece of grilled game. Depending on availability, you will find the following in our range: Saint-Péray, Saint-Joseph,