Saint-Pierre Cornas
Rhône
On the right bank of the Rhone, the Saint-Pierre vineyard sits on the eastern slopes of the Massif Central in Cornas. The steep South-facing slope forms an amphitheater that protects the vines from cold winds. The vineyards here are very old, dating from ancient times. The first terraces and walls were likely made by the Romans. Legend has it that Charlemagne tasted these wines when traveling through Cornas in 840 and liked them so much that he sent some wines to his residence.
The Saint-Pierre vineyard is located on the top of the plateau near the small Chapel of Saint-Pierre. The 10- to 60-year-old Syrah vines grow on a South-facing 20-degree slope in degraded granite soils using goblet training, and produce a wine with a lot of character. The organic grapes are hand-harvested and destemmed. The maceration lasts three weeks with gentle pump overs. The wine is then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels and demi-muids – 15% of which are new. Potential to age up to 20 years.
The 2021 vintage had a mild winter with an early spring. The early development of vegetation slowed as the temperatures dropped in April. The spring was cool and May had abundant rainfall. Flowering took place rapidly and in good conditions. The summer was also very wet with temperatures below normal, resulting in a delay of veraison and slower maturation. The harvest resulted in grapes with good balance and aromas.
Deep ruby red in color, this elegant and full-bodied wine has notes of raspberry and tart cherry
- Steep slope of Cornas forms an amphitheater that protects the vines from cold winds
- Goblet trained vines grow on a steep terraced slope
- Vineyard is certified AB Organic
