The Land:
Cornas is one of the most powerful terroirs in the Northern Rhône, a natural amphitheater of steep, south-facing granite slopes that produce some of the region’s most intense and age-worthy Syrah. The thin, rocky soils—literally “broken stones” (brise cailloux)—force vines to struggle, yielding small, concentrated berries with deep structure and mineral intensity. Warm days ripen the fruit fully, while cool nights and the mistral winds preserve acidity and freshness, giving Cornas its signature balance of richness and energy.
The Wine:
Made from 100% Syrah, Brise Cailloux is vinified with whole clusters and native yeasts, then aged in a combination of concrete eggs and older oak barrels. This approach enhances purity, minerality, and tension while softening the formidable structure of young Cornas. The 2021 vintage is vibrant yet deep, with layers of blackberry, cassis, smoked meat, and black olive, wrapped in fine-grained tannins and a long, savory finish. Powerful yet lifted, this wine is an authentic reflection of Cornas—wild, structured, and built to evolve beautifully in the cellar.
The People:
Matthieu Barret, the visionary behind Domaine du Coulet, is a 7th-generation vigneron known for redefining Syrah in the Northern Rhône. After taking over his family’s 25 acres in Cornas at just 23, he revolutionized farming and winemaking, shifting to biodynamic viticulture and replacing machinery with horses and manual labor. His philosophy is simple: let nature lead. His vineyards are wild, teeming with life, supported by watering holes and green corridors to promote biodiversity. Vinification follows the same low-intervention ethos—no new oak, no racking, minimal sulfur, and no fining or filtration. The Matthieu Barret range, sourced from leased organic and biodynamic vineyards across the Rhône, showcases Syrah in its purest form, shaped by terroir and meticulous craftsmanship.
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