Cornas from the right bank of the Rhône, where south-facing slopes on burnt earth produce wines of serious structure and depth. This 2016 from Domaine Denuziere carries the weight and richness the appellation is built for. Dark, dense, and built to age, it's the kind of Northern Rhône Syrah that rewards patience but drinks with impressive presence now.
Tasting Notes
Vinification: Cornas produces robust, rich red wines on a surface covering 145 hectares. On the right-bank of the Rhône, the vineyards sit on the Eastern slopes of the Massif Central in Cornas, which means “burnt earth” in old Celtic. The abrupt, south-facing slopes form a natural amphitheatre that protects the vines from cold winds. The Appellation’s territory sits between 125m and 400 meters above sea level, and is contained within the village of Cornas alone. The first written evidence of Cornas wine can be found in the 10th century, when a canon from Viviers mentioned the church in Cornas that was “surrounded by vines”. In 1763, a document describes a “strong wine” that was produced in Cornas. The Appellation was awarded in 1938, and was originally limited to 100 hectares in the single county, but was extended in 1960 and quadrupled in volume. This J.Denuzière Cornas is a small plot of 1.3 hectares located in an area called 'En Sauman'. The vineyard stretches over several small, steep granite terraces, farmed sustainably. Manual harvest using small boxes, destemmed on arrival at the cellar and transferred in open top wooden cone shaped tanks. Cold maceration for fourty eight hours before fermentation starts naturally, fermented over three to four weeks long. Pumped over, punched cap daily, allowing for more gentle extraction. Once fermentation is completed, the wine is transferred into 1st, 2nd and 3rd fill 225 and 600 liters oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation will last 15 to 18 months. Tasting Notes: Color: Deep cherry with purple hues. Nose: Fine complex bouquet of blackberries and fine toast. Palate: Silky and rich on the palate with supple tannins. Spicy lingering finish. Other: It will pair well with game, steak or truffle omelette.
