Cornas

Cornas, which is celtic for "burnt earth," is an AOC in the Northern Rhône which is home to some of the world's most incredible Syrah. The reason for this moniker is that this appellation is characterized by some of the steepest slopes in the valley. The directness intensity of the sun gently bakes the grapes, helping them achieve beautiful ripeness, and an alluring smoky characteristic. Another special attribute of the region is the flora. It is the only appellation in the Northern Rhône which is forested around the vineyards. Much of this flora most commonly grows in the Southern Rhône, as Cornas is at the border of the north and south, and it imparts in the wines wonderful aromas of garrigue. Due to the varying degrees of slope, as well as the diverse flora in the area, Cornas has also become known for single vineyards - each of which lends a different expression of the land, and what it has to offer.