Thierry Allemand 'Chaillots' Cornas 2016

Founded in 1982, the small organic estate of Thierry Allemand has an international cult following for its incredible Syrah-based Rhône wines. Young and eager in the 1980's, Thiery was learning the trade secrets of terrace farming, pruning, grafting techniques, and noninterventionist winemaking. Little by little, he began acquiring vineyard parcels that had long since been abandoned, rescuing some, buying others, and renting the rest. Insufferable work as it was, he dove into the project courageously: he cleared over-taken vineyards of weeds and scrub brush, reinforced terraces, rebuilt walls, and replanted. All by hand. Though it took him fifteen years before he could afford to fully dedicate himself to his own domaine (he earned his living as an electrician!), the quiet, monastic Thierry Allemand had already become a legend.

The not-even-five hectares of land that he farms almost seem abundant when one considers the diversity and challenge that each parcel presents. Stacked onto the hills of the western bank of the Rhône River, the vines of Cornas enjoy maximum sun exposure, facing south by southeast. The slopes are composed of both limestone and granite, though Thierry’s parcels lie predominately upon sturdy, granite subsoil with some clay. Thierry vinifies each parcel individually, bringing prestige and recognition back to even the smallest lieux-dits of Cornas. His commitment to minimal doses of sulfur dioxide puts him in the same school of thought as such renowned traditionalists as Domaine Gramenon (Southern Rhône). The cult status that Thierry’s wines have achieved is well-earned praise for this quiet hero of Cornas.

Cornas “Les Chaillots”: Cuvée made up of all younger vines

Cornas “Reynard”: Cuvée made up of all older vines, a portion of which were purchased from Noël Verset