Taste the Cornas grape
Cornas is a French Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) located in the Rhône wine region in southeastern France. The appellation is known for producing robust, high-quality red wines that have a distinctly earthy flavor and aroma that has earned it the nickname "scorched earth". These wines are made from the Syrah grape variety and are aged in oak barrels for up to 24 months to give them their distinctive flavor. Cornas is an ideal region to grow Syrah because of its soil, which is primarily granite and slate. The combination of these soils and the warm Mediterranean climate helps produce wines with dark fruit, spice and leather aromas. The aging process also adds complexity to the wines with aromas of black pepper, tobacco and game. Cornas AOC has been producing high-quality wines since 1936 and has earned a reputation as one of the best red wine appellations in France. The wines are typically 14-15% alcohol by volume and can be aged for up to ten years or more depending on the vintage. These robust yet elegant wines are sure to please even the most discerning connoisseur.
Cornas style
The Rhône wine region is a renowned area of France that produces some of the world's most exquisite wines. Among the many appellations in this region, Cornas stands out for its unique characteristics and traditional style. Cornas is a small appellation located in the northern part of the Rhône Valley, where the vineyards are planted on steep slopes facing south. The wines of Cornas are known for their long ageing potential, which can last up to 20 years or more. The traditional style of Cornas wine is characterized by its 'scorched earth' aroma, which comes from the high mineral content of the soil. This distinctive flavor profile is achieved by using only one grape variety, Syrah. By law, all Cornas AOC wines must be made from 100% Syrah grapes grown on terraced vineyards that require manual labor to tend and harvest. The resulting wine is bold and full-bodied with intense flavors of black fruit, spice and a hint of smokiness. Overall, Cornas is a unique and highly sought-after wine that represents the best of French winemaking tradition.
Rhone and Cornas area
The region is divided into two distinct parts: the Northern and Southern Rhône. In the Northern Rhône, vineyards are planted covering an area of around 12,000 hectares, with Syrah, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier and Grenache being some of the most popular grape varieties produced. The climate in this region is typically Mediterranean with warm summers and mild winters. This allows for optimal ripening conditions for the grapes and helps produce some of the finest wines in the world. In other regions of the Northern Rhone, such as Ardeche and the Loire Valley, different grape varieties are grown that produce dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The climate here is cooler than in the Rhône, but it still allows for a successful harvest. There are also smaller vineyards that produce sparkling wine from Chardonnay grapes, which are very famous in this region.
Cornas and food
Cornas is a famous wine region in the Rhone Valley in France. This region is known for its amazing wines produced from the local Syrah grape. Besides wine production, Cornas also offers a unique gastronomic experience with its traditional food culture and flavorful dishes. In this article, we will explore the Cornas wines and their perfect food pairings.
History and background
Cornas has a long history of wine production dating back to Roman times. The region has always been known for its powerful and full-bodied wines, created by the steep slate soil and sunny climate. This combination gives the grapes a deep concentration of flavor and character.
Cornas wines
Cornas wines are known for their richness and complexity. They have an intense dark color and an aroma of dark berries, pepper and spices. The taste is full-bodied with notes of black pepper, licorice and smoky undertones. These wines have an impressive structure and tannins that give them the potential to age for many years.
Food pairings
Cornas wines are great to pair with different dishes due to their rich character and intense flavors. Here are some recommendations for food pairings with Cornas wines: + Red meat: A juicy steak or lamb chops go perfectly with Cornas wines. The powerful flavor and tannins in the wine complement the texture and taste of the meat. - Steak with pepper sauce: The combination of juicy meat and pepper sauce goes hand in hand with the peppery aroma of Cornas wines. - Lamb with rosemary: The spicy taste of rosemary enhances the complexity of Cornas wines and creates a perfect balance. + Game: A game specialty like wild boar or venison is an excellent choice for Cornas wines. The strong taste of game meat goes well with the deep character of the wine. - Wild boar with forest mushrooms: The combination of the tender game flavour and the earthy nuances of the mushrooms harmonises perfectly with Cornas wines. + Hard cheese: A mature cheese like Comté or Parmesan is a good companion for Cornas wines. The salty and rich flavor of the cheese balances the strong structure of the wine - Parmesan with honey: A perfect combination of salty and sweet that enhances both the cheese and the wine.
There you have it!
Cornas is not only known for its amazing wines, but also for its rich food culture. Food pairings with Cornas wines can create an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Exploring these combinations is a wonderful way to understand the unique character and flavors of the region. So next time you enjoy a Cornas wine, make sure to accompany it with an appropriate dish to get the full experience.
