Adored by Charlemagne and Louis XV, Cornas wines boast a rich history that harks back several thousand years. Following the phylloxera crisis that decimated many French vineyards, a small amount was restored in the Northern Rhône Valley. Thanks to its age-old reputation, the Cornas vineyard was rebuilt with great determination.
To better protect and promote these terroirs, an appellation system was established. In 1938, the Cornas appellation was born and since then its reputation has continued to grow. The particularity of this AOC lies essentially in the fact that it produces only red wines using the Syrah grape variety, around the commune of Cornas.
The Cornas vineyard covers 131 hectares to the northwest of Valence, in the Rhône Valley, close to the lands of the appellations Saint-Péray, Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage. Poised on the right bank of the Rhône, the vines of the AOC Cornas rest in a natural amphitheatre with steep slopes.
Influenced by the climate of the northern Rhône Valley, the vineyard evolves with the seasons and enjoys ideal weather conditions. The four seasons are well defined, which enables the vineyard to follow the natural rhythm of the seasons. The northerly wind helps to preserve the grapes' superb condition. The beautiful sunshine provides the vineyard with the necessary vigour to develop perfectly ripe grapes, especially on the south-facing vines.
The soil has been entirely shaped by the Rhône over millions of years. This results in terroirs that are influenced by granite and limestone scree. This very interesting geological formation comprises granite terraces in which the Cornas vines flourish.
This perfect alliance between a pleasant climate and a unique geology gives rise to very fine wines made from the Syrah varietal. At first glance, these wines can be recognised by their very intense colour, which has earned them the nickname "black wine". On the nose, red fruit and black fruit aromas blend with woody and spicy notes. The aromas are transposed into the flavours and the wines of Cornas reveal a powerful and robust expression on the palate. After a few years, a great finesse caresses the palate.
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