Appellation Cornas

This Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) designates northern red crus located on the right bank of the Rhône. The history of the Cornas vineyards dates back to antiquity, but the appellation was established in 1837. Cornas also holds the European AOP label. The wines in this appellation are powerful, with high tannins, dark color and good ageing potential. In this guide, we'll review the history and terroir of the Cornas appellation, as well as the top producers in this classification

Geographical location and terroir of the Cornas appellation

This appellation area is located on steep hillsides with ideal east and southeast exposure. Temperate winds regularly sweep across the terraces at altitudes ranging from 125 to 400 m. The high level of sunshine and the climate favor the production of wines with character. The AOC is produced on 110 ha of vines around the commune of Cornas. This is in the Ardèche department, about 7 km from Valence. Like Côte Rôtie, the appellation produces only red wines. Syrah is the only grape variety used. The appellation's terroir is characterized by soils of filtering granite and calcareous, sandy-clay soils with a high iron oxide content. Cornas wines have a slightly old-fashioned style, with an earthy, vegetal, animal nose and rough, austere, rustic tannins with good length. With age, they become more supple, with rounder, more balanced tannins. The kind of wine that goes perfectly with leg of lamb, grilled beef, barbecued lamb kebabs..

Our selection of the best Cornas wines