Aurelien Chataigner 'Cornas', Rhone, France

From one of the Northern Rhône’s most exciting artisan producers comes a Cornas that’s both classically brooding and seductively expressive. The 2021 Aurélien Chatagnier Cornas is Syrah in its purest, most soulful form, handcrafted from organically farmed vines and fermented with native yeasts, this wine bridges elegance and power with grace. A study in aromatics, structure, and minerality, it delivers the full Cornas experience with modern precision and old-world soul.

Product Details:

• Varietal: 100% Syrah
• Colour: Red
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Farming: Organic
• Method: Natural fermentation
• Fermentation: Native yeast in barrique
• Aging: 12 months in new and used oak barrels
• Winemaker & Owner: Aurélien Chatagnier

Sensory Description:

Dark and savory, this Cornas opens with aromas of black cherry, violet, currant, and cracked pepper layered over hints of olive tapenade and wet granite. The palate is full and concentrated, bursting with juicy black fruits and laced with smoke, spice, and iron-rich earth. Firm tannins and fresh acidity give it structure and lift, while a smoky, lingering finish adds depth and intrigue. It's a Syrah that walks the line between muscle and finesse.

Winemaker's Background:

Aurélien Chatagnier began his winemaking journey in his teens, working the vines at Domaine Jamet, where his love for the craft was ignited. After apprenticing under François Villard, he launched his domaine in 2002 with just one hectare of rented vines. Over the past two decades, Aurélien has slowly built a reputation for thoughtful, expressive wines rooted in the granite soils around Saint-Pierre-de-Bœuf. Working entirely organically and vinifying with minimal intervention, his wines are detailed, focused, and deeply reflective of their terroir. His Cornas is one of the jewels in his collection, serious, structured, and full of soul.

Serving Suggestions:

Decant for at least one hour and serve at 60–65°F to highlight its powerful aromatics and savory complexity. Perfect alongside grilled lamb, venison, wild boar, or a juicy dry-aged burger with blue cheese. A natural companion to charred meats, black garlic, or earthy, spice-forward cuisine. Enjoy now with decanting or cellar for up to 15 years to watch it evolve.

The 2021 Aurélien Chatagnier Cornas is a Syrah of depth and dimension, bold yet graceful, rustic yet refined. For those seeking a true expression of Northern Rhône terroir from a rising master of the craft, this is a wine to savor and to remember.