CORNAS “VALLON DE I’AIGLE”

Jean-Luc Colombo

APPELLATION

Rhône

GRAPE VARIETIES

100% Syrah

WINEMAKERS

Jean-Luc Colombo

TECHNICAL DATA

Acidity
3.67
Alcohol
14.5%

2018

98POINTS

Wine Enthusiast

OCTOBER 2021

2018

95POINTS

Wine Spectator

JUNE 2021

Where To Buy VIEW BRAND PORTFOLIO

BACKGROUND

Innovation, passion and dedication are what drives Jean-Luc and Anne Colombo, whose contributions to Rhône Valley winemaking is unparalleled. A devotee of the Syrah grape and armed with a pharmacy degree, Jean-Luc and his wife, Anne, opened their wine laboratory in 1984, “Centre Oenologique des Côtes du Rhône” and quickly developed a thriving reputation as a wine consultant throughout France. For their significant life-long contributions to their country, both Jean-Luc and Anne have been awarded the French Legion of Honor, France’s highest civilian award. The Colombo’s innovative approach in the northern appellation of Cornas was nothing short of revolutionary. Today, Jean-Luc Colombo’s wines express the typicity of their terroir with elegance and character, from the Côte Rôtie in the northern Rhône to his Provençal roses.

TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES

The heart of the Colombo winery is based in Cornas, the smallest appellation in the Rhône Valley. Covering only 325 acres, it is nonetheless highly delineated with incredibly diverse microclimates that make an extraordinary impact on the profile of the wines. With a strong Mediterranean influence, summers here are warm. Ancient vineyards are found mostly on steep, south-facing terraced slopes. Decomposed granite soils and stressed growing conditions greatly contribute to the quintessential quality and character of Cornas wines. Cornas AOC has strict laws. Irrigation is not permitted and maximum yields are 34 hl/ha. It is one of the few appellations in the world dedicated to Syrah. Vallon de L’Aigle (Valley of the Eagle) is a micro blend with only four barrels produced, this is the quintessential expression of Jean-Luc’s savoir-faire in Cornas. It is made only in exceptional years, from the free-run juice of his highest altitude single-vineyard parcel of only 0.3 hectares (.74 acres), with 70 year-old vines, 40° Slope, and extremely low yields -- only 3 clusters per vines.

WINEMAKING

Only the best berries are selected. Free run juice is fermented in stainless steel vats. Malolactic fermentation is in barrels.

AGEING

The wine ages for 24 months (1/3 new, 1/3 one-year, 1/3 two-years).The wine is fined with egg whites and is unfiltered.

TASTING NOTES

Deep ruby red color, with brilliant purple reflections. Very complex nose with subtle aromas of flowers, blueberries and mulberries. On the palate, silky with floral notes of iris and violets with round and harmonious tannins. Pairs exceptionally well with game, beef stew, or lamb dishes.