Contents
Cornas is a wine appellation in the northern Rhône Valley, i.e. in the Ardèche. This appellation stands out for its red wine production and was recognized as an AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) in 1938.
Cornas, a noble wine
The history of Cornas wines is closely linked to its location. Cornas is located on the right bank of the Rhône, where the climate is particularly warm and sunny. This characteristic is reflected in the meaning of the word Cornas in Celtic: “burnt land”. His vines are very old. Cornas is one of the first red wines made in the northern Rhône Valley. History has it that Charlemagne himself tasted the wine during his visit to Cornas in 840 and, exalted by the flavors, ordered some for his residence in Aachen. Other monarchs such as Saint Louis, Louis XI, Charles V, Richelieu and Louis XV were great Cornas connoisseurs.
During the Golden Age of the 18th century, Cornas was considered one of the great wines of the region, also enjoying the renown of neighboring appellation Saint-Peray. At the end of the 19th century, the region lost momentum due to phylloxera, a vine disease that destroyed a large part of the vineyards.
Cornas, a typical southern vineyard
The Cornas appellation is located in the northern Rhône Valley, between two other wine appellations: Saint-Joseph to the south and Saint-Peray to the north. The Cornas AOC covers 145 hectares at altitudes ranging from 125 to 400 meters. The vineyards benefit from a Mediterranean climate and steady winds, where the temperature is pleasant thanks to the position of the hillsides, which act as protection. Its east-south-east orientation guarantees optimum exposure for ripening vines.
The upper part of the commune is characterized by the presence of limestone soil. On the other hand, in the center of the appellation’s vineyards, high alluvial terraces composed of pebbles and granite are present. The lower slopes were formed by limestone falls and silty deposits.
Cornas black wines: between balance and firmness
Cornas vineyards produce exclusively red wines, using Syrah as the grape variety.
Cornas wines are generally deep, dark in color. Shades of violet can be seen, which is why Cornas is known as “vin noir”. With age, the wine reveals more amber nuances.
On the nose, Cornas wines are characterized by aromas of red and black fruits, such as blackberry and cherry, undergrowth, spices and pepper. To enjoy these wines at the peak of their maturation, you need to wait 5 to 6 years. Then, wilder nuances such as leather, tobacco or even truffles can be sensed.
On the palate, the balance between aromatic power and structure is unique to this appellation. On the palate, the wine offers a warm, powerful presence, often accompanied by a fleshy tannic presence after a few years’ ageing.
Cornas are distinguished by their great ageing potential of around 10 to 15 years.
Cornas, wines for exceptional tables
Cornas wines are the perfect accompaniment to exceptional dishes such as hare à la royale, coq-au-vin rouge, foie gras with figs and honey, or simply barbecued prime rib or lamb kebabs. More generally, they are served with poultry and cheese such as blue cheese.
The ideal temperature for tasting Cornas is between 16 and 18°C.
Cornas, many exceptional vintages
Annual climatic conditions define the exceptionality or otherwise of vintages produced within a geographical area. For the Cornas appellation, the best vintages were 1928, 1929, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1961, 1978, 1985, 1989, 1990, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2011. The appellation has distinguished itself with exceptional vintages in 1945, 1947, 1985, 1990 and 2005.
1989 and 2000 are considered vintages of the century, meaning that they were particularly exceptional years for the Cornas appellation. But the 1929, 1978 and 1998 surpassed all other years combined, even going so far as to call them the vintage years of the millennium.
Cornas, an appellation of committed estates
Domaine Jean Luc Colombo
In the 1980s, Jean-Luc Colombo bought a vineyard in the hills above the village of Cornas. He produced his very first vintage “Les Ruchets” in 1987. This name refers to the families of bees present in the vineyard. Little by little, the vineyard expanded, while retaining its original principles: respect for nature and terroirs, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture. He is the driving force behind the Centre Œnologique des Côtes du Rhône in Cornas, which enables him to advise several vineyards in his capacity as oenologist. Today, his vineyards cover an area of 120 hectares.
Château Alain Voge
Alain Voge is originally from Cornas, and has worked hard all his life to keep the estate running, particularly in the 90s, when it began to gain the most recognition. His vines cover an area of 8 hectares and are on average 45 years old. It seeks to ensure that production respects the environment. Thanks to this commitment, in 2016 it obtained organic farming certification. Its terroir is recognized as the best in the appellation.
Discover the best Cornas producers.
