The Legendary Domaine Clape
Clape’s cellar
© Gail Skoff
Clape’s cellar
© Gail Skoff
The Legendary Domaine Clape
In the world of wine, there are many good winegrowers. However, there are only a very select few who are truly great, and the Clape family will go down in history among the greats. For many years, the majority of growers in Cornas sold their fruit to négociants, but in the mid-1950s Auguste Clape became one of the first to bottle his own wine, which eventually paved the way for the entire appellation. Without pretense or fanfare, Auguste sought to reveal the greatness of a then little-known terroir in which he saw the highest potential. If today, collectors and sommeliers seek the wines of Cornas for their cellars, it’s thanks to Auguste’s vision and Kermit’s keen palate in choosing to import the wines when they were unknown. Auguste’s commitment to bettering his family’s wines endured until his passing in 2018 at the age of 93. Auguste was joined at the domaine by his son, Pierre-Marie, in 1988, and today his grandson, Olivier, carries on the legacy.
The Clapes farm just eight hectares of densely planted terraced vineyards, with a wealth of old vines, on the hillsides of Cornas where treacherous inclines make using any machinery in the vineyards impossible. All work must be done by hand, and the work is arduous.
From their lineup of Syrahs, you’ll taste the vibrant Vin des Amis and stately Côtes du Rhône, both featuring vineyards just outside the Cornas AOC and ready for immediate enjoyment. Conversely, their Cornas bottlings are capable of tremendous longevity in the cellar, although Kermit also encourages trying them when their youthful vigor is on display, and to get a sense of the evolution to come. For a taste of the old-style Syrah from the rugged, vertical slopes of this tiny northern Rhône appellation, Clape is the best place to start. Don’t miss this opportunity to taste some of France’s greatest reds!
Wines In The Collection
Domaine Clape France | Northern Rhône
Majestically dark and brooding Cornas, layered with aromas of herbs and mint. Extremely limited availability
Domaine Clape France | Northern Rhône
Young vines yield a Cornas that opens up sooner than Clape's flagship cuvée.
France | Northern Rhône
Majestically dark and brooding Cornas, layered with aromas of herbs and mint. Extremely limited availability
France | Northern Rhône
Young vines yield a Cornas that opens up sooner than Clape's flagship cuvée.
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