AOC Cornas "La louvée" Jean Luc Colombo

Cornas "La Louvée" from Domaine Jean-Luc Colombo: a plunge into the heart of the power and elegance of Cornas.

Within the prestigious Cornas appellation in the Rhône Valley, Domaine Jean-Luc Colombo's red wine "La Louvée" is a veritable ode to the richness and complexity of this unique terroir. With its well-defined characteristics, this cuvée perfectly embodies the winemaker's expertise while reflecting the specific characteristics of the Cornas terroir.

Origins and terroir

Cornas, a small appellation in the southern Rhône Valley, is renowned for its powerful, expressive red wines. The vineyards of Domaine Jean-Luc Colombo are spread over steep slopes with granite soils, which contribute greatly to the unique personality of this wine.

Grape variety

La Louvée is a pure product of Syrah, the region's emblematic grape variety. Syrah is known for its dark berries, rich in aromas and tannins, which give rise to deep, complex wines.

Responsible viticulture

Domaine Jean-Luc Colombo practises environmentally-friendly viticulture. The vines are grown organically, giving priority to quality over quantity. Yields are deliberately kept low to ensure optimum concentration of the grapes.

Vinification

The grapes are harvested by hand when fully ripe, guaranteeing perfectly healthy grapes bursting with flavour. Vinification takes place in several meticulous stages. It begins with cold pre-fermentation maceration to preserve the grapes' primary aromas. Alcoholic fermentation then takes place naturally using indigenous yeasts, while the delicate tannins and aromas are extracted by regular punching down of the cap.

Ageing in casks

The wine is then transferred to French oak barrels where it ages for a period of 18 to 24 months, depending on the characteristics of the vintage. This wood ageing adds an extra dimension to the wine, giving it subtle hints of vanilla and spice, while softening its tannins.

Tasting

On tasting, La Louvée reveals a deep red colour with purple highlights. On the nose, it offers a symphony of complex aromas: black fruits such as blackcurrant and blackberry mingle with notes of violet, spices such as black pepper and clove, and hints of undergrowth and leather. On the palate, this wine reveals its power and concentration, underpinned by an elegant tannic structure. Flavours of black fruit, spice and undergrowth blend harmoniously, while hints of liquorice and tobacco add complexity. The finish is long, deep and refreshing, evoking the minerality of the terroir.

Food and wine pairing

La Louvée is the ideal companion for grilled or roasted red meats, game birds, stewed dishes and hard cheeses such as Comté or Beaufort. It also goes well with richly flavoured Mediterranean dishes or preparations based on wild mushrooms.

Ageing potential

This Cornas "La Louvée" can be enjoyed with pleasure when young, but it is also an exceptional wine for laying down. Its robust structure allows it to age magnificently for 10 to 20 years, evolving over time to reveal new layers of complexity.

In short, Domaine Jean-Luc Colombo's Cornas "La Louvée" is a captivating expression of the power and elegance of the Cornas appellation. It is a wine that embodies the authenticity of the terroir, respect for tradition and commitment to quality. Each sip of this wine is a true sensory experience, an exploration of the depths of Cornas red wine. A bottle that deserves to be tasted with care and delectation.