On the steep slopes of Cornas, where granite reigns supreme, Domaine Auguste Clape delivers with this 2022 vintage a Syrah of rare intensity. Sourced from old vines on the Reynard and Sabarotte plots, this wine draws its strength from a demanding terroir.
The philosophy of the domaine can be summed up in a few words: patience, manual labour and natural winemaking. The harvests are carried out by hand, fermentations proceed spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, and ageing takes place in used foudres or demi-muids, thus preserving the purity of the fruit. Auguste Clape, the emblematic figure of the domaine, has always refused the artifices of modernity in order to let the truth of the terroir express itself, raw and unvarnished.
The plots, scattered across the steep slopes of Cornas, form a mosaic of microclimates where Syrah flourishes under a generous sun, tempered by northern winds. Reynard, Sabarotte, Chaillot… Each lieu-dit tells a story, each soil leaves its signature. The wines born from them mirror these landscapes: powerful, wild, yet possessed of a mineral elegance that defies time.
On the palate, the wine unfolds with a contained, almost wild power. The tight, granitic tannins envelop a generous flesh, while aromas of liquorice, bitter cocoa and gentle spices linger in an interminable finish. This 2022, marked by a dry and warm summer, delivers exceptional ripeness without ever sacrificing freshness — the hallmark of the greatest Cornas.
Born on the steep slopes of the Cornas appellation, this cuvée draws its character from poor granitic soils, where the vine — often a century old — must struggle to survive. The result? A wine of rare authenticity, carrying within it the soul of a unique terroir, somewhere between ruggedness and sensuality.
Served at 17°C, this Cornas 2022 will pair to perfection with dishes worthy of its stature: a herb-crusted leg of lamb, a slowly simmered Provençal daube, or aged cheeses such as an old Comté or a Bleu de Vercors. A bottle that is not simply drunk, but experienced — ideally after a few years of patience, to allow time to soften its edges and reveal its full complexity.
Which plots make up this vintage?
This wine comes primarily from the Reynard and Sabarotte plots, complemented by vines in the AOC Saint-Péray and at the foot of the Cornas hillsides.
Why is this wine aged in neutral barrels?
Ageing in neutral barrels and demi-muids preserves the pure expression of the granitic terroir and the Syrah variety, free from the influence of new oak.
What is particular about the fermentation?
Fermentation takes place spontaneously with whole clusters in concrete vats, a traditional method that respects the typicity of the fruit and the terroir.
Can it be enjoyed now, or is it worth waiting?
Although already approachable, this wine reveals its full potential after 10 to 15 years of cellaring, thanks to its tannic structure and concentration.
Which aromas dominate upon opening?
Intense notes of blue fruits, candied violets and raspberry come through, accompanied by hints of truffle and a subtle earthy minerality.
How should this wine be served to appreciate all its nuances?
It is recommended to serve it at 17°C, after aerating for one to two hours, to release its complex aromas and soften its initial power.
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