Thierry Allemand – Granite-Born Syrah, Purity & Depth
A singular, artisanal voice of Cornas — wines of energy, precision and striking depth.
A Defining Figure of Cornas
A benchmark in Cornas, Thierry Allemand crafts highly distinctive Syrah from steep, hand-farmed granite slopes. Heir to the artisanal spirit of Noël Verset and Robert Michel, he produces wines of rare intensity — whole-cluster fermentations, neutral old wood, minimal intervention, and patient élevage — resulting in Cornas of great density, tension and vibrancy.
Terroirs & Parcels
- Reynard — decomposed granite, old vines: depth, length, saline precision.
- Chaillot / Les Chaillots — granite: more immediate expression, linear, spicy and fresh.
Steep terraced slopes, high planting density and naturally low yields forge wines of exceptional intensity and character.
Viticulture & Cellar
- Manual farming, organically practiced (uncertified)
- Whole-cluster fermentations with indigenous yeasts
- 18–24 months aging in old demi-muids and foudres — no new oak
- Very low sulfur, bottled unfined and unfiltered
Signature Cuvées
Cornas “C” (ex-Chaillot)
A tense, peppery granite Syrah: pure black fruit, linear structure and tonic finish. Drinking window: 5–20 years.
Cornas “R” (ex-Reynard)
From old vines on Reynard: velvety texture, dark depth, black olive and graphite notes. Drinking window: 10–30 years.
House Style
A Syrah of purity and aromatic voltage — blackberries, fresh cassis, black pepper, black olive, gentle smokiness, and sanguine-mineral tones. A balance of concentration and finesse, with long, saline, vibrant finishes.
Notable Vintages
1990, 1991, 1999, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 — benchmark years illustrating the precision, depth and timeless quality of Allemand’s Cornas.
Technical Sheet — Thierry Allemand
| Location | Cornas, Northern Rhône (granite, terraces) |
| Vineyard size | ≈ 4–5 ha |
| Grape variety | 100% Syrah |
| Farming & vinification | Hand-harvested, whole-cluster, indigenous yeasts |
| Aging | 18–24 months in old oak; no new barrels |
| Bottling | Unfined, unfiltered, very low sulfur |
In Summary
Thierry Allemand embodies the purest and most vibrant expression of Cornas. His hand-crafted, granite-born Syrahs combine intensity, clarity and energy. Rare and sought-after, these wines stand as a benchmark of integrity and long-lived beauty.