A label created by Chief depicting Alexis Pichon enjoying his first visit to Katz's Deli. Alexis is involved in the Pichon family's wine estate.
Our tasting impressions
This Cornas highlights well the Pichon style of elegant wines that are terroir-driven. Approachable despite the vintage's powerhouse nature. Outstanding, pure fruit that is framed by tannins that offer structure without astringency. It should also be long-lived.
About this wine
100% Syrah from a 1ha, 70-year old southeast facing vineyard in granite soil (cooled magma, mostly quartz). The vines sit a 400m in a crater carved out of the slope by the mistral. The handpicked grapes with yields of 40 hl/ha are de-stemmed and pneumatically pressed. Fermentation is naturally occurring over 28 days in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with pumping over and punching down twice a day. Aging is for 14 months in oak barrels that are 3 years old.
About the grape
Syrah is the sixth most planted grape worldwide. It thrives on steep slopes because of the dry climate and soil that enable deep root penetration. The grapes are small and dark-skinned high in acid and tannins.
About the vintage
2020 was an excellent vintage for Cornas. A mostly hot and dry summer enabled the grapes to fully ripen and ample water reserves provided balancing acidity. Wines are generally powerful but not unduly alcoholic.
The Pichon family is a growing force in the Northern Rhône region. Corentin, the eldest of the six children of Isabelle and Christophe, is a young, talented, 3rd generation winemaker. But this is every bit the family business as all of his 5 siblings are involved, along with Corentin's partner and mom and dad.
Based in Chavanay, the Pichons produce wines of elegance and finesse in a variety of appellations spanning more than 20 hectares. Chemical treatment of the mostly Syrah and Viognier vineyards is kept to a bare minimum. In addition to those from their own vines, they also purchase grapes for other wines.
VDLT has been visiting the Pichons for many years and is proud to include them as a foundation of the portfolio.
