Yves Cuilleron Cornas 'Le Village' 2022

Carved into the dramatic granite slopes of Cornas, this is a powerful yet refined expression of Syrah from one of the Northern Rhône’s most historic and distinctive appellations. Known for producing some of the Rhône Valley’s most age-worthy and characterful reds, Cornas is defined by steep hillside vineyards, poor granite soils and a warmer, more sheltered climate than its northern neighbours. Yves Cuilleron has brought his meticulous approach to this rugged terroir, crafting wines that combine the traditional depth of Cornas with the elegance and precision that define his style. Le Village represents a pure expression of the appellation, focusing on the personality of the site rather than excessive extraction. The 2022 vintage, marked by warmth and drought across the Rhône, produced wines of impressive concentration while retaining freshness and balance in the hands of careful producers.

Made from 100% Syrah, the wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts before ageing in French oak, allowing the structure of the appellation to soften while preserving the purity of the fruit. The bouquet is deeply expressive, with aromas of blackberry, black plum and dark cherry layered with crushed violet, black pepper, smoked meat, olive tapenade, liquorice, graphite and subtle spice. On the palate, it combines the power expected from Cornas with remarkable finesse, offering dense yet polished tannins, vibrant acidity and a long, savoury finish marked by granite minerality. Brooding in its youth but already showing impressive harmony, it has the structure to evolve beautifully over the next decade and beyond. It pairs superbly with grilled lamb, côte de boeuf, venison, game dishes, mushroom-based cuisine and mature hard cheeses.