Domaine Gérard Courbis is based in the village of Mauves, close to the boundary with Cornas. Gérard, sadly, passed away recently but the estate remains in the hands of his sons, Ludovic and Emmanuel, who were already very much engaged in the day-to-day operations of the family estate. The wines are made very much in a traditional and elegant style of Northern Rhône to reflect both freshness and perfume, while retaining a lovely savory edge.
Presentation
Presentation
Their personal modesty belies their unparalleled talent in crafting organically (although not certified) raised wines that sing of northern Rhône landscapes and summer-ripe flavors, bottles that are not only best in their class but also set an example for elegant, site-specific reds the world over. There is a very high proportion of old vine fruit in the vineyards, with most vines between 40-60 years old.
Terroir
The estate’s vines in the Cornas area average 10 years of age and are rooted deep in granite slopes in high lying terraces which can only be harvested by hand. The steep slopes benefit from exceptional drainage, sunshine.
Winemaking
Aged in 600L oak barrels for 24 months.
Varietal
Syrah : 100%
Specifications
Alcohol content : 14,5 % vol.
GM : No.
Contains sulphites. Does not contain egg or egg products. Does not contain milk or milk-based products.
Advice
Serving
16°C / 61°F
Ageing potential
Over 15 years
Tasting
Courbis’ Cornas makes a splashy entrance, flashing hints of violet, forest floor, cracked peppercorns and unctuous blueberry. Aromas of zesty blackberry gain intricacies of rose petal and graphite. This bottling embodies a firm core of mineral and persistent spice. The grapes are sourced from the steepest slopes which make it for a rich and ripe wine, with mineral tension and freshness of acidity that’s thrilling. This bottling natural acidity, sweetness and spicy characteristics allow for easy wine and food pairing: it’s calling for red fleshed foods – from beef and lamb to tuna, goose and game, or else fattier cuts of pork.
