2019 Domaine Lionnet 'Terre Brulee' Cornas

From:  Cornas, northern Rhône Valley, France
Varietal: Syrah

Taste: In the glass, the wine is deep, opaque purple with a deep garnet rim. The nose opens with intense aromatics of blackberry compote, crushed black olives, and violets, followed by notes of iron, smoked meat, and freshly cracked pepper. On the palate, the wine is dense and coiled, with flavors of blackcurrant, blueberry skin, and tapenade layered over a mineral spine.

Pairing: This Syrah’s muscular frame, savory depth, and pronounced mineral edge make it an ideal complement to dishes featuring char, richness, or slow-cooked intensity. Start by matching the wine’s tannins with protein. Try grilled or roasted lamb, bone-in ribeye, or duck leg confit, which are excellent anchors. 

About: Domaine Lionnet is located in Cornas, a small commune in France’s northern Rhône Valley, known for producing some of the most structured and age-worthy Syrah wines in the region. This historic estate has been in continuous family hands since 1575, making it one of the oldest documented wineries in Cornas. The Lionnet family has passed the domaine down through generations, often through marriage and the inheritance of daughters, hence the continuity of the name despite changes in family structure.