Tasting Notes
Thierry Allemand is one of the most revered names in the Northern Rhône, often described as the guardian of Cornas’ old-vine traditions. His “Cuvée C” is a blend of fruit drawn from two distinct sites: Chaillot (mid-slope terraces of decomposed granite, producing wines of perfume and elegance) and Reynard (steeper, poorer soils of weathered granite, giving wines of density, structure, and longevity). Together, these parcels capture the essence of Cornas—at once rugged and refined.
Allemand farms with a strong respect for nature, working the terraces by hand, often with minimal intervention, and harvesting at low yields to ensure concentration. Fermentation is carried out with whole clusters, indigenous yeasts, and long macerations, before the wine matures in largely neutral oak. This approach highlights the purity of the fruit and the energy of the granite soils rather than oak influence.
The resulting style is profoundly expressive: dark, brooding fruit layered with violet, pepper, and smoke, framed by firm but fine tannins. “Cuvée C” often shows a paradoxical mix of power and finesse—earthy, savoury depth balanced by remarkable freshness and lift. It is a wine that speaks of place and patience, rewarding time in both decanter and cellar, and standing as a benchmark expression of what Cornas can achieve in the hands of a master. - Chris L
Thierry Allemand is regarded as one of the true icons of the Northern Rhône and the winemaker most responsible for elevating Cornas to its rightful place among France’s great terroirs. Starting with almost nothing in the 1980s, Allemand painstakingly restored abandoned terraces and acquired small plots in the appellation’s most prized lieux-dits, particularly Chaillot and Reynard. His holdings today remain modest—just a few hectares—yet the wines are among the most coveted in the region.
Allemand farms by hand, with an obsessive attention to detail and a deep respect for the fragile granite slopes he tends. His methods are traditional yet thoughtful: low yields, whole-bunch fermentations with indigenous yeasts, long macerations, and élevage in mostly old oak. The goal is purity and site expression rather than winemaking imprint, allowing the vineyards to speak with clarity.
The style of Allemand’s wines is unique within Cornas—combining the appellation’s natural power and sauvage intensity with a rare sense of finesse, freshness, and perfume. His bottlings are often described as “Burgundian” in their precision and balance, yet they remain unmistakably Cornas in their depth and authenticity. With limited production and a global cult following, Thierry Allemand’s wines stand as benchmarks of the Northern Rhône and exemplify the heights Syrah can achieve when nurtured by vision, patience, and respect for terroir.
| Product Type | Wine Red Shiraz |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | France |
| Region | Northern Rhone |
| Sub Region | Cornas |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |