THIERRY ALLEMAND

Thierry Allemand

Thierry continues to produce Cornas of majestic quality and is one of the few growers who avoids the use of new oak barrels when elevating his wines before bottling. Sadly, many others have been misguided - as Thierry succinctly put it: 'New oak gives Cornas nothing but flaws'.

The grapes are fermented as whole clusters, the use of sulphur is as low as possible and the wines are aged in old oak barrels for 18-24 months depending on the vintage. His Cornas Chaillot is a blend of young vines and 20-40 year old vines, usually characterised by juicy blackberry and prune flavours with hints of pepper and chocolate.

Reynard is a cuvée made only from old vines that attacks the palate with its deep concentration of black olives, blackcurrants and intensely mineral and saline flavours. Both have the class and distinctive breed of great wines from a great producer.