Domaine Clape: Cornas Pioneer

Victor Rabot | March 4, 2024

Today, we are pleased to share new arrivals from one of the most renowned Cornas producers: Domaine Clape.

Auguste Clape was one of the first in Cornas to bottle wine under his own label. The domaine’s journey started when Auguste replanted terrace by terrace, along the slopes of the Rhône River. He never stopped working until he passed away in 2018 at the age of 93 years old. Today, it is Pierre and Olivier, the son and grandson of Auguste, who perpetuate the tradition of crafting great Cornas wines.

The Clape family farms just 8.5 hectares, spanning Cornas and Saint-Péray appellations. Situated on magnificent granite hillsides, the steep gradient requires all vineyard work to be done by hand.

In the winery, Pierre-Marie and his son have maintained the precedent of their ancestors: whole-cluster fermentations are managed parcel-by-parcel, all classified by the age of the vines. Winemaking interventions are generally kept to a minimum. Long élevages are completed in oval foudres aged between 30 and 50 years old, thereby lending yet greater depth to the natural complexity of the wines.

Their wines are refined, balanced and powerful; each cuvée delivers an unforgettable unique experience.

While his flagship Cornas cuvée has made the domaine recognized among wine lovers, don’t overlook his ‘Renaissance’ cuvée, made from the "young vines" (up to 30 years old) and also their Saint-Péray (a blend of 80% Marsanne, 20% Roussanne).