2021 Alain Voge Cornas "Les Vieilles Vignes", Rhone Valley, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

100% Syrah, situated on slopes at an altitude of approximately 200 metres, facing South-South-East, the vines are on average 60 years old. Their roots delve deep down into old, worn granite rock, called gores locally. Harvesting is manual, using 40 kg tubs. The vineyards sit on decomposed granite soils called "gore". The wine is fermented in stainless steel under temperature control and is then aged for 18-20 months in oak casks, 10% of which is new.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Domaine Alain Voge, an iconic establishment in the renowned Cornas appellation of the Rhône Valley, France, has a rich legacy dating back to the 1950s. Alain Voge, a visionary winemaker, has played a pivotal role in shaping the reputation of Cornas wines. His lifelong dedication is evident in crafting wines that authentically express the terroir's distinctiveness and the essence of the Syrah grape.

Alain Voge's commitment to quality has earned international acclaim, and his deep understanding of the vineyards is reflected in the exceptional wines produced by the estate. The focus at Domaine Alain Voge is on carefully tending vineyards with low-yielding, old vines, resulting in concentrated and expressive grapes.

The estate's vineyards, characterized by rugged, granite-rich soils, contribute a unique mineral character to the wines, enhancing complexity and depth. Traditional winemaking techniques, including partial stem inclusion and extended maceration, are employed to bring out the full potential of the fruit.

Domaine Alain Voge exemplifies the mastery of Cornas winemaking, capturing the spirit of the land and the artistry of the winemaker. With each bottle, the estate offers a profound and captivating experience that showcases the unique and extraordinary qualities of this exceptional appellation.

In charge of the Domain today: Lionel Fraisse is the nephew of Robert Fraisse, a historical figure of the Saint-Péray winegrowing area and lifelong friend of Alain Voge. After law studies and an initial career as head of publications in various universities and selective higher education establishments, he left Paris in 2012 to return to his native land in the Ardèche region. Wine has always been close to Lionel Fraisse, through his professional tastings, visits to vineyards and in-depth discussions with winegrowers. His encounter with Alain Voge and Albert Mazoyer set the course for his future with certainty and passion. So in 2012, Lionel joined the staff at the Domaine Alain Voge and began a complete change of career, by doing, among many other things, an HND in viticulture and oenology. He worked specifically on the “issue of maintaining the soil on the slopes of Cornas and a necessary transition towards sustainable solutions.”