Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Domaine Courbis dates from the 16th century and has been handed down from father to son since the start of the 20th century. It is now under the dynamic partnership of two brothers: Laurent, who is responsible for winemaking, and Dominique who looks after the 41-hectare vineyard. The estate includes eight hectares in Cornas, five hectares in Saint-Joseph Blanc and 19 hectares in Saint-Joseph Rouge, in the communes of Châteaubourg and Cornas. The vines are planted on steep granite hillsides and their polished wines are wonderful examples of modern vinification blended with traditional viticulture and top-quality terroir. The Domaine Courbis wines are of extremely high quality and are consistently met with worldwide acclaim.

THE VINTAGE:
2021 is characterised as an old-style vintage with beautiful ageing potential. There was more fear than damage in the vineyards in 2021; the windy climate and proximity of the Rhône River meant most of the vines escaped the spring frost. Summer was marked by some short, but hot episodes and rain at the beginning of August, which spared the vines water stress. Cool summer nights extended the ripening cycle, and the harvest was late. Generally, the 2021 wines show lower alcohol, intense colour and balancing freshness.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
Situated on the right bank of the Rhône River, not far from the city of Valence, the site of Cornas combines all the factors of a ‘Grand Terroir’. Its exceptional microclimate, granite soils and old vines contribute to the potential for making great wines. The vineyard soils are made up of decomposed granite, which are free draining and very poor in nutrients, conducive to producing low yields.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The grapes were hand-harvested, destemmed and lightly pressed. Vinification took place in closed stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures of between 30 and 32°C. The maceration process lasted for 12 to 15 days until the desired levels of colour and flavour were extracted. The wine was then transferred to vats (50%) and French oak barrels (50%) of which 35% were new. The wine underwent malolactic conversion and was bottled after 18 months ageing in oak.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
This classic and complex Cornas has an opulent, textured palate enveloped in luscious deep black cherry flavours, with subtle spice, mineral and delicate oak notes. A wine of great finesse with a long, exquisite finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Syrah 100%.