Clape

Located in the Cornas appellation of Northern Rhône, Domaine Auguste Clape is considered among the world’s most recognized producer for Syrah wines. Although the estate is only 20 acres, it is composed of predominately old vines on steep and sunny terraced vineyards on the western banks of the Rhône River. The estate was founded by Auguste’s grandfather who was a grower in Languedoc but was forced to move due to the strikes of 1905.

Clape’s pièce de résistance is, of course, the classic Cornas wine which is a blend of five to six cuvees of the oldest vines from the best sites on the estate. The producer also provides a slightly more approachable expression that is made with younger vines called the Clape Cornas Cuvée Renaissance. All grapes are picked as late as possible for optimum ripeness, which is a gamble with the weather in the Rhône every year. Clape’s wine has been the essence of Rhone Syrah since what seems like the beginning of time. Thanks to the granite soils, the dark wines are able to develop with astonishing depth and exude a velvety texture with age.