Cornas — A Bold and Rustic Expression of Syrah

Located in the Northern Rhône Valley, the Cornas appellation is exclusively dedicated to the production of red wines made from Syrah. Renowned for their power, depth, and authenticity, Cornas wines offer one of the most distinctive and characterful expressions of this noble grape variety.

Terroir and Climate

The appellation covers around 150 hectares, with 112 currently under vine. Unlike its prestigious neighbors Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie, which face south, Cornas is oriented eastward. This exposure allows for slower grape ripening, giving the wines a more rustic and distinctive personality.

The steep slopes are rooted in granite soils, which bring a distinctive minerality, firm structure, and vibrant energy to the wines.

Grape Variety: Syrah

Syrah is the only grape variety permitted in Cornas. This monocépage allows for one of the boldest and most intense expressions of this emblematic Rhône grape.

In their youth, Cornas wines reveal aromas of blackcurrant and raspberry, enhanced by violet and spices. With age, they develop more complex notes of truffle, licorice, chestnut, and ripe black fruits.

Style of Cornas Wines

Cornas wines stand out for their remarkable intensity, firm tannic structure, and rustic character. In their youth, they are often tight and powerful, requiring time to fully open up and reveal their depth.

As they age, they gain complexity and balance, displaying a harmonious interplay between rich fruit and earthy nuances. These are true age-worthy wines, capable of evolving beautifully over several decades.

Key Characteristics

• Grape: 100% Syrah
• Style: powerful, structured, deep red wines
• Dominant aromas: blackcurrant, raspberry, violet, spice, truffle, licorice, black fruits
• Ageing potential: 15 to 30 years depending on the vintage
• Serving temperature: 16–18 °C

Food Pairings

• Roasted or braised game
• Grilled or slow-cooked red meats
• Rich stews and casseroles
• Aged hard cheeses

Iconic Producers of Cornas

• Thierry Allemand — an emblematic figure known for his pure, profound Cornas wines.
• Auguste Clape — a historic benchmark of the appellation.
• Alain Voge — celebrated for elegant and precise expressions.

Cornas: A Syrah Icon

Cornas embodies a powerful, rustic, and profoundly authentic expression of Syrah. Less polished than its neighbors Hermitage or Côte-Rôtie, it seduces with its character, depth, and exceptional ageing potential.

A true jewel of the Northern Rhône, Cornas is a must for lovers of great, terroir-driven red wines.