Cornas Auguste Clape Renaissance 2021

Cornas Auguste Clape: the Renaissance cuvée of the estate

The Cornas Auguste Clape Renaissance embodies a remarkable entry point into the world of the Auguste Clape estate. This cuvée allows you to discover the emblematic style of one of the most respected properties in the northern Rhône valley.

Produced exclusively from syrah, Renaissance precisely expresses the granitic character of the Cornas slopes. More accessible in its youth than the estate's flagship cuvée, it still retains all the identity that has built Auguste Clape's reputation.

The wine delights with its depth, freshness, and balance. It reveals an authentic interpretation of the terroir while offering relatively early drinking pleasure.

This cuvée appeals to both enthusiasts looking to discover Cornas and lovers of Rhône syrah.

A historic family in the Cornas appellation

The Auguste Clape estate is among the major references of the northern Rhône. For several generations, the family has cultivated the steep slopes of Cornas, preserving traditional methods.

Manual labor remains essential on these particularly steep granitic terraces.

Winemaking favors whole clusters, natural fermentation, and extended aging in old casks.

This philosophy has greatly contributed to the estate's reputation among wine lovers worldwide.

Today, Pierre-Marie Clape continues this work with the same rigor.

An essential reference for syrah

The Clape style is characterized by deep, structured wines that are particularly true to their terroir.

The Renaissance cuvée embraces this philosophy while offering a more immediately accessible expression.

Cornas Auguste Clape and the granitic terroirs of the appellation

The Cornas appellation is distinguished by its steep south-facing slopes.

The soils composed of decomposed granite provide tension, minerality, and depth to the syrah.

The Cornas Auguste Clape Renaissance comes from several areas of the appellation, including young vines and plots that offer a more accessible approach to the terroir.

This diversity contributes to the wine's balance.

The varied exposures allow for a combination of ripeness, freshness, and complexity.

A pure and authentic syrah

The robe presents a deep ruby color with violet reflections in its youth.

The nose reveals aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, and black cherry.

Aeration gradually unveils notes of violet, spices, black olive, and pepper.

Smoky and slightly mineral nuances appear over time.

The palate captivates with its precision. The tannins remain present while maintaining a beautiful finesse.

The finish extends the spicy notes and black fruits.

A more accessible expression of Cornas

Renaissance has a less austere structure than the estate's flagship Cornas cuvée.

This accessibility allows for enjoyment of the wine relatively young while retaining excellent aging potential.

Technical sheet

• Appellation: Cornas
• Producer: Domaine Auguste Clape
• Cuvée: Renaissance
• Region: Northern Rhône Valley
• Grape variety: Syrah
• Soils: Decomposed granites
• Winemaking: whole clusters
• Aging: old casks
• Serving temperature: 16 to 17 °C
• Aging potential: 10 to 20 years

The characteristics may slightly evolve depending on the vintages.

Cornas Auguste Clape at tasting

In its youth, the cuvée reveals a beautiful fruity intensity supported by spicy notes.

After a few years in the cellar, aromas of leather, undergrowth, licorice, and smoke emerge.

The texture gradually gains complexity.

The balance between power and freshness is one of the signatures of this cuvée.

The syrah expresses itself here with great precision and remarkable purity.

A great Rhône freshness

Despite its concentration, the wine retains a tension that provides balance and length.

This freshness significantly contributes to its aging potential.

The best food and wine pairings

The structure of the wine allows it to accompany generous and refined cuisine.

Grilled red meats are classic pairings.

Game and certain stews also reveal the wine's depth.

Pairing suggestions

• Grilled rib of beef.
• Roast lamb.
• Game birds.
• Beef stew.
• Duck breast.
• Mushroom dishes.
• Aged cheeses.
• Braised meats.

These pairings highlight the tannins and aromatic complexity of the syrah.

Excellent aging potential

The Cornas Auguste Clape Renaissance has remarkable aging potential.

The initial fruity aromas gradually evolve towards notes of leather, spices, and undergrowth.

The tannins refine over time.

The best vintages can evolve favorably over fifteen to twenty years.

Proper storage in a cool, stable cellar will allow the wine to express its full complexity.

Why choose this Renaissance cuvée?

This cuvée will appeal to those looking for:

• a great Rhône syrah;
• an introduction to the Clape style;
• an authentic expression of Cornas;
• significant aging potential;
• a cuvée more accessible than classic Cornas.

It currently represents one of the best ways to discover the estate's work.

Serving tips

Opening one to two hours before serving allows the wine to express itself fully.

Younger vintages may benefit from decanting.

A temperature between 16 and 17 °C promotes the balance between fruit, spices, and freshness.

A large red wine glass will allow you to appreciate the aromatic complexity fully.

A bottle for syrah enthusiasts

Renaissance pairs perfectly with gourmet meals, tastings among enthusiasts, and cellaring.

Its authentic style makes it a reference among Cornas wines.

Discover the great wines of the northern Rhône

The Cornas Auguste Clape Renaissance illustrates all the richness of the great granitic terroirs of northern Rhône.

You can also explore our selection of Cornas wines and Rhône syrahs at Cave Le Mouton Rouge to discover other expressions of this iconic appellation.

To deepen your knowledge:

• https://www.vins-rhone.com
• https://www.inao.gouv.fr
• https://www.vinsdeseptentrion.com

An emblematic cuvée of the Clape spirit

The Cornas Auguste Clape Renaissance offers a faithful reading of the identity of the estate.

This syrah combines depth, freshness, and precision while maintaining a pleasing accessibility.

It allows for the discovery of Auguste Clape's universe through a cuvée that fully expresses the personality of the granitic terroirs of Cornas.