About this wine
Auguste Clape is widely regarded as the benchmark producer of Cornas, a legendary estate that defined the appellation's reputation for power, longevity, and purity. The flagship Cornas cuvée is crafted from 100% Syrah grown on the steep, granite-rich slopes of the Northern Rhône. Known for its uncompromising traditional approach, the estate utilizes whole-cluster fermentation and aging in old oak foudres. The resulting wine is intensely structured, offering profound notes of black fruit, smoked meat, violets, and crushed granite, requiring significant bottle age to reveal its true complexity.
This is a powerful, serious wine that demands patience; decant it for several hours if opening young, or cellar it for a decade.
Sommelier's Note
"This is the definitive expression of Cornas. It is an essential masterpiece that every serious collector must experience at least once in their lifetime."
Food Pairings
Pairs exceptionally well with game meats, roasted lamb with herbs, and aged hard cheeses. The wine's savory profile also complements dishes with black pepper or truffle elements.
When to drink it
Ideal for milestone celebrations, serious collector tastings, or a slow, contemplative dinner featuring high-quality red meat.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Syrah
- Style
- Red
- Price Range
- ¥25,000-40,000
Terroir & Winemaking
Grapes are harvested from old vines on granite soils. Fermentation occurs in concrete tanks using whole clusters. The wine is aged for approximately 22-24 months in large, neutral oak foudres to preserve the purity of the Syrah fruit without excessive wood influence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does it taste like?
- It offers intense flavors of dark berries, black olive, smoked meat, and distinct granite minerality.
- What should I pair it with?
- It pairs best with rich game meats, lamb, or umami-rich dishes like soy-glazed grilled eel.
- When is the best time to drink it?
- It requires at least 10 years of aging from the vintage date to reach its peak maturity.
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