Cornas

The Cornas AOC is part of the Northern Rhône Valley . It is located on the right bank of the Rhône River. The 145-hectare vineyard lies entirely within the commune of Cornas . The vines face due south, cultivated on slopes that form a natural amphitheater, thus protecting the vines from the wind. For these reasons, Cornas is always the first appellation of the Northern Rhône Valley to harvest its red grapes.
Syrah is the only grape variety cultivated here, so only red wine is produced. Cornas wines are generally very dark in color and have excellent aging potential. Indeed, the wine, initially quite structured, softens with age and develops aromas of black fruit and licorice.

Domaine des Vins de Vienne

Domaine des Vins de Vienne was founded by Yves Cuilleron , Pierre Gaillard , and François Villard , three iconic producers from the Northern Rhône Valley. All three share a common approach to viticulture: without organic certification, they rely on their experience, their observation of the vines, and their practical, down-to-earth knowledge to cultivate as naturally as possible, striving for balance. This allows them to obtain more concentrated grapes and reduce the need for treatments. To ensure grape quality, some vineyard work (bud removal, leaf thinning, cluster thinning) is completed by hand.

In Cornas , the Domaine des Vins de Vienne offers 2 vintages: Les Barcillants and Saint-Pierre.
Les Barcillants is produced from vines grown on granite soils and then aged for 16 months in French oak barrels. It belongs to the " L'Amphore " range, which designates wines produced from grapes purchased from partner winegrowers who share the Domaine's vision, particularly regarding sustainable viticulture. It is a powerful wine, revealing black fruit with peppery notes. It will reach its peak in 12 to 15 years and pairs beautifully with a tender cut of game such as venison, accompanied, for example, by celery root purée.
Saint-Pierre is a more recent vintage. The wine is very similar to the Les Barcillants cuvée, as the grapes also come from granitic soils, and the wine is made using the same methods. The result is a complex wine with aromas of black fruit and pepper, which can age for 10 to 15 years. It pairs beautifully with grilled lamb and chocolate desserts.

Domaine Alain Voge

The Voge family has been present in Cornas for several generations. Alain Voge joined the family business in 1958 and focused it exclusively on vineyards, abandoning the mixed farming practiced until then. A visionary, he replanted on abandoned hillsides and developed direct sales, notably to local restaurants. The estate converted to organic farming in the early 2000s and has been entirely cultivated biodynamically since 2013. Alain Voge retired in 2004; the estate has since been managed by Alberic Mazoyer.

In Cornas , the Alain Voge estate produces 3 wines: Les Chailles, Les Vieilles Vignes and Les Vieilles Fontaines.
Les Chailles is produced from vines that are around thirty years old. Vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks, and the wine is then aged for 16 months in oak barrels. It is a harmonious wine best enjoyed within 10 years, and pairs well with red meat, especially grilled meat.
Les Vieilles Vignes is made from vines over 30 years old. Aging lasts between 18 and 20 months in oak barrels, depending on the vintage. This wine can age for approximately 20 years: in its youth, it pairs beautifully with beef or lamb, and with age, it complements rich sauces or game.
Finally, Les Vieilles Fontaines is produced from a plot of very old vines (80 years old). The age of the vines has allowed them to develop deep roots, and their grapes therefore express the full richness of the terroir. The wine is aged in barrels for 24 months. It can be kept for 20 to 30 years, and it is advisable to wait at least 5 years before drinking it so that the tannins begin to soften.

Domaine Courbis

Domaine Courbis is based in Châteaubourg and run using sustainable farming practices by two brothers, Laurent and Dominique. Together, they produce Syrah-based red wines and white wines primarily from Marsanne, with a small amount of Roussanne. The harvest is done by hand. The estate straddles the Saint-Joseph and Cornas appellations.

The Courbis brothers cultivate 8 hectares in Cornas , on granite soil from which they produce 3 different wines.
Les Eygats is made from vines that are around twenty years old, with an east/southeast exposure. The wine is aged in barrels for 18 months. We recommend consuming it within 10 years of its production.
La Sabarotte is produced from 70-year-old vines planted on a southeast-facing slope. It is a wine that can be aged for 10 to 15 years. Rich and dense in its youth, it becomes more complex with age, making it a true pleasure to drink!
Champelrose is the estate's latest Cornas vintage. It is produced from vines nearly a century old, planted at the foot of the slope on a 2.5-hectare plot, and from 1.8 hectares of vines around fifteen years old. Green harvesting is practiced to ensure optimal grape quality. The wine is aged for 16 months before bottling and will keep for about ten years.