ALLEMAND THIERRY - Cornas Reynard 2009 Magnum

The Cornas appellation

The Cornas appellation ranks among the most distinctive expressions of the northern Rhône. Located on the right bank of the river, in Ardèche, it is marked by steep slopes and predominantly granitic soils, demanding rigorous viticulture and shaping wines of character. Its vineyards benefit from a contrasting climate, influenced by the Rhône and by exposures favourable to grape maturity.

Reserved for Syrah, the appellation produces deep, structured reds capable of long ageing. Their signature generally lies in their substance, freshness and tannic framework, while élevage and time allow the wine to gain in complexity. Cornas Reynard 2009 belongs to this style of great northern Rhône reds, with an identity shaped by its vintage and magnum format.

The Allemand Thierry estate

This cuvée is produced by Allemand Thierry, a producer associated with the Cornas appellation. The estate name here accompanies a selection from the Reynard sector, presented in a 2009 magnum. This format encourages a more gradual evolution of the wine and is particularly well suited to age-worthy cuvées, whose balance reveals itself over time.

The 2009 vintage lends this bottle additional patina, while allowing the depth expected of a Cornas to express itself. Rather than reducing the wine to a fixed aromatic description, its appeal lies in the meeting of Syrah, the appellation’s granitic terroir, the producer’s work and years of maturation in bottle.

Tasting advice

Serve this Cornas between 16 and 18°C, after careful opening. Decanting may be considered if the wine still seems reserved, favouring measured aeration in order to preserve its balance. The magnum is particularly well suited to table service, where the wine can open up progressively.

It will pair deftly with a roasted or grilled cut of beef, a rack of lamb, feathered game or slow-cooked dishes. Mushroom-based preparations, lentils and mature cheeses also offer harmonious pairings with its structure.

This wine has reached an advanced stage of maturity and is best enjoyed without too much delay, its precise evolution depending on how the bottle has been stored, particularly its fill level, cork and storage history.