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Rhône Valley · Northern Rhône · Red

Cornas — terroir, soils & grape varieties

Cornas makes only red wine, exclusively from Syrah. In its granite amphitheatre sheltered from the mistral, one of the northern Rhône's warmest sectors, the grape produces the valley's darkest, wildest wine. Its name probably derives from a pre-Latin root associated with a horn or escarpment, with a suffix of Celtic origin.

One commune, one colour

Recognised in 1938, Cornas is one of the few French appellations producing only one colour within a single commune. No white, no rosé, no blending: Syrah alone, over around one hundred and sixty hectares.

Long considered the northern Rhône's rustic relation, the appellation was reappraised from the 1980s by a generation of growers who revealed its finesse. Prices followed, without ever reaching those of Hermitage or Côte-Rôtie.

A granite amphitheatre

The vineyard occupies a bowl backed by the foothills of the Massif Central, opening east towards the Rhône. This shape shields it from northerly winds and concentrates warmth. Cornas is reputed to be one of the valley's earliest-ripening sectors, often harvested before its neighbours.

The soil is poor, well-drained decomposed granite, on steep slopes arranged in terraces known as chaillées, supported by dry-stone walls.

The darkest of the northern Rhônes

Cornas stands out for its almost black colour and density. Young, it is massive: firm tannins, crushed dark fruit, pepper and sometimes a disconcerting austerity. It needs time, opening after eight to ten years into leather, truffle and woodland notes.

This is a wine for game and red meats, served around 17°C and always decanted in its youth.

The grape varieties of Cornas

Syrah →the sole variety — dark fruit, pepper, olive and smoky notes

Cornas wines on 1001caves

Detailed pages: the cuvée, the estate, the drinking window and the bottles for sale between collectors.

Anne-Sophie Pic et Michel Chapoutier 2022Cornas→Domaine Coulet - Cornas, Brise Cailloux 2022Cornas→Domaine Jacques Leménicier - Cornas 2019Cornas→Domaine Jacques Leménicier - Cornas 2021Cornas→Domaine Jacques Leménicier - Cornas 2022Cornas→Domaine Jacques Leménicier - Cornas 2023Cornas→Domaine Leménicier - Cornas 2020Cornas→Domaine Leménicier - Cornas 2021Cornas→Domaine Leménicier - Cornas 2022Cornas→Domaine Lemenicier 2023Cornas→Domaine Vincent Paris - Granit 30 2022Cornas→Jacques Leménicier - Cornas 2018Cornas→Jacques Leménicier Père Laurier 2022Cornas→Philippe Pacalet - Cornas 2019Cornas→Stéphane Robert - Domaine du Tunnel - Cornas 2024Cornas→Stéphane Robert - Domaine du Tunnel - Cornas Vin Noir 2024Cornas→
Buy a Cornas →
Sources: Wikipédia — Cornas (AOC)