Vineyards: the area covered by this Appellation is limited to the commune of Cornas in the French Department Ardèche, on the right bank of the Rhône.
Soil types: some silt laden deposits, granite and migmatite, extremely steep granitic terraces supported by small retaining walls.
Climate: very sunny with the slopes having South and South -east aspects.
Background: this wine's fame has not diminished since the 10th Century and has been served at the Royal tables of France and elsewhere. In the 19th Century its "quoted" value was the same as Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Only phylloxera followed by urbanisation were to almost get the better of it! A.O.C. status and a renewal of its former high quality have enabled the vineyards to regain their flair and reputation. Cornas was consecrated Local A.O.C. in 1938.
Area under cultivation*: 103 hectares, yearly production: 3822 hl, basic yield : 37 hl/hectare.
* Source: harvest statement 2004.
Grape variety mix: exclusively Syrah.
Pruning: long stem Guyot with a minimum of 8 productive eyes, and one or 2 spurs with two productive eyes and goblet pruning.
Wine making: long fermentation, natural alcohol content by volume 10.5% minimum, maturing: 2 years in wooden casks.
Particularity: its Southern or South-eastern aspect give this Appellation early maturity. It is the first of these Northern red Côtes du Rhône to be harvested .
