Maison Les Alexandrins, AOC Cornas, Rouge, 2022
A partnership between three winegrowers from the Rhône Valley – Nicolas Jaboulet, Guillaume Sorrel and Alexandre Caso – Maison les Alexandrins produces northern wines in a style at once contemporary and timeless, always from exceptional vineyards unearthed by Alexandre Caso, a specialist in the terroirs of the northern Rhône Valley. Classics with a twist, these wines and how they are aged and blended are guided by the quest for perfect harmony from a very young age. Most of the wine comes from the locality of Les Eygats.
Located at over 250 metres altitude on terraces containing decomposed granite, the vineyard enjoys a pleasant south/south-east exposure.
An Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée in the northern Rhône Valley since 1938, the vineyard lies on the right bank of the Rhône, on the eastern side of the Massif Central in the village of Cornas. The steep slopes facing east and south-east form a natural amphitheatre, shielding the vines from cold winds. Here the full strength of Syrah, the appellation’s sole grape variety, is expressed. The Cornas vineyard is ancient, dating back to Roman times. Romans are said to be responsible for the terraced structure and the first chaillées (dry stone walls). The first written evidence of vineyards in the area dates back to the 10th century, when the Canon of Viviers mentioned that the church in Cornas was “surrounded by vines”. A document from 1763 also speaks about the “powerful wine” produced in the village.
- Pre-fermentation cold maceration to develop the fruit.
- Maceration and fermentation for about 20 days with pumping over for the first few days and then punching down towards the end.
- Ageing in barrels of one and two wines for 15 months.
Beautiful deep colour with shiny reflections. This wine opens up with a very aromatic nose typical of Syrah with notes of black fruit. On the palate, the attack is straightforward before revealing very silky tannins, both powerful and delicate, and a beautiful structure. A powerful and elegant wine which requires a few years of aging to reveal all its complexity
This wine will go wonderfully with grilled red meats and game. When aged from 7 to 10 years, it pairs marvellously with hare à la royale.
Serve at 17°C. This Cornas is wonderfully elegant and can be enjoyed after just two or three years’ cellaring. However, the appellation is known for revealing the secrets of its wines after many more years and an additional seven years will bring out its best.
Syrah : 100 %