Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas 2022

Winemaking

Auguste Clape is regarded as one of the founding fathers of modern Cornas, having established his domaine in the mid-twentieth century and spent decades perfecting the expression of Syrah in this demanding granite terroir. His approach is rooted in tradition and restraint—minimal intervention in the cellar, long élevage in neutral wood, and a refusal to over-extract or manipulate the wine. The domaine remains a benchmark for the appellation, respected for its unwavering commitment to capturing the mineral essence and aging potential of true Cornas.

Tasting Notes

This 2022 Cornas announces itself with intense dark fruit aromatics—black cherry and plum—layered with white pepper, licorice, and a striking mineral precision that speaks to the granite bedrock beneath the vines. On the palate, the wine is powerfully structured yet refined, with concentrated dark fruit flavors balanced by firm, well-integrated tannins and a savory herbal undertone that adds complexity and intrigue. The finish is long and persistent, delivering excellent structure and the kind of backbone that promises decades of graceful evolution in the bottle.

Producer

Domaine Auguste Clape is a small, family-owned estate that has been instrumental in elevating Cornas from obscurity to international recognition. The domaine farms its steep vineyard parcels with meticulous care, respecting the unique challenges and rewards of this granite-based terroir, and maintains a philosophy of minimal intervention throughout harvest and winemaking. The wines are aged conservatively in neutral wood to allow the inherent character of the fruit and place to remain paramount.

Terroir

Cornas sits on the right bank of the Rhône Valley in the northern Rhône, a region defined by dramatic slopes of decomposed granite and schist soils. The appellation's steep, south-facing aspect and continental climate—cool nights and warm days—create the ideal conditions for producing Syrah of remarkable intensity and ageability. The granite bedrock imparts a characteristic mineral and peppery character that distinguishes Cornas from other northern Rhône appellations.

Food Pairings

Pair this wine with pan-seared duck breast with cherry gastrique and black olive tapenade, where the wine's mineral edge and dark fruit will play beautifully against the richness of the duck. It's equally at home with a classic beef daube Provençale—slow-braised beef with garlic, tomato, and herbs—where the wine's tannin structure and savory complexity shine. For a simpler approach, try it with a well-seasoned grilled lamb chop with rosemary and fleur de sel.