Matthieu Barret is one of the most exciting new talents in Cornas.
The man took on the reins of the Estate in 2001, and signed that year his very first vintage after an experience in the Cave Cooperative of Tain.
Very fast he focuses his work on the vineyard, a natural asset of choice, since all plots have been planted on windy and fresh terraced hillsides
The biodynamic viticulture is adopted, in order to respect this jewel from the Ardèche region as much as possible.
Oenological products derived from chemicals are banned, replaced instead by natural treatments, such as cowpat, herbal teas and various preparations. Sulfites and brass are used in very small quantities.
The treatments against diseases are all made by the man, on all side hills, respecting the timeline of the lunar calendar.
In the cellar, the same logic prevails as well. No chemical additives and just a touch of sulphur added during bottling.
Starting in 2007, the winegrower has focused more on the maturation process, which is such a sensitive parameter when you want to keep the wines inherent qualities.
The barrels were progressively eliminated, and gave way to ovoid shaped vats, made of concrete and clay. These vats will allow the preservation of the grapes’ primary aromas and will give the wine the purest expression.
Moreover, this technique has the other advantage of allowing oxydative grape varieties such as syrah, to be fully appreciated even when young.
The cuvée "No Wine's Land" is a perfect illustration of this style: the grapes are grown in the region of Cornas. The vines are about fourty years-old and reveal a greedy, very fleshy, yet fluid juice. This wine is aged 18 months in vats.
Brise Cailloux is a fuller cuvée, the ideal match for a refined diner. The aging takes place in concrete ovoid vats.
Finally, we must mention the cuvée "Gore", from the name of a local very degraded granit. Exposed north-east, the vine gives birth to a vibrant and racy juice, and counts among the nicest syrah of the region.
Without a doubt, this Estate is not short of arguments to elevate the Appellation into higher levels, and to propose its own version of Syrah: flowery wines, on the lighter side, and very fresh.