We are pleased to introduce Ludovic Izerable, a winemaker from Haute-Savoie who, out of love for Corinne Lionnet, emigrated to the Northern Rhône Valley.
The family of Corinne Lionnet has been cultivating vines – and more precisely Syrah, the only grape variety allowed in this appellation – in the town of Cornas since 1575, for almost five centuries. Corinne took control of the estate in 2003 when her father, Pierre, retired and it is she and her husband Ludovic who now run the estate: in Cornas, only two hectares, with superbly located vineyards. And 80 ares in the not less famous Appellation Saint Joseph. The vines are 40 to 100 years old for the oldest.
Very quickly, the work of the young couple was noticed and rewarded, as secular family traditions and experiences helped.
The work of the vines is carried out on horseback and with small light equipment that does not soil. The steep slopes, anyway, impose it.
The vines are harvested by hand, plot by plot, with a strict selection in the vineyard. The vinification, also in parcels, is done without destemming: a three-week winemaking, fermentation in cement vats and then in old half-muids of 600 liters (no new oak) completely natural – only native yeasts and no other inputs. After two winters have passed, bottling is done without gluing or filtration. All work is done by gravity. There is a single bottling of the entire lot.
Their Cornas is a true classic. With clay-limestone soils and large calcareous pebbles, the result is a Cornas with spicy character, firmly structured, with a magnificent minerality.
Their wines are sold mainly across the Atlantic but we were still able to get a small allowance. And thus become the only allocator in Thailand. The Cornas Cuvée Terre Brûlée – will arrive in Thailand at the end of July.
As for their St Joseph, that’s another story to which we hope to invite you one day!
*Find our selections of wine!