Alain Voge : Les Vieilles Vignes 2016

Tasting notes and advice for Les Vieilles Vignes 2016 from Alain Voge

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays an extremely dense, deep black-violet color, reflecting the exceptional concentration of grapes from this granite terroir.

Nose

Complex and intense, the nose reveals aromas of game, smoked duck and blackberries, alongside distinctive animal notes. Floral hints of violets add a graceful dimension, while spicy notes of cracked pepper, black licorice and truffles enrich the aromatic palette. Mineral nuances of graphite and crushed rock echo the profound expression of the granite terroir.

Palate

The attack is warm and generous, marked by intense, concentrated, powerful tannins. Initially tight, the tannic structure gradually unfurls to reveal remarkable finesse and elegance. The mid-palate shows heightened complexity with notes of cherry, violet and spices, supported by a fine acidity that brings freshness and vibrancy. The peppery, dusty finish lingers with exceptional persistence.

Food and wine pairings

This Cornas Les Vieilles Vignes 2016 pairs perfectly with robust red meats and game. It is an ideal match for lièvre à la royale with an Ardèche truffle reduction, flank steak with chimichurri sauce and confit baby potatoes, or grilled meats cooked over a wood fire served with sauces made from red wine reduction.

Serving and cellaring

Cornas Les Vieilles Vignes 2016 can be enjoyed now and will evolve elegantly until around 2040, with a peak drinking window spanning approximately 2026 to 2036.

An outstanding Cornas from old vines on a granite terroir in the Rhône Valley

The estate

Founded in 1958, Domaine Alain Voge now covers 13 hectares spread across Cornas, Saint-Péray and Saint-Joseph, in the Northern Rhône Valley. A pioneer in revitalizing the Cornas appellation, Alain Voge systematically replanted abandoned hillsides and developed direct bottle sales as early as the 1960s. Since 2018, Lionel Fraisse has led the estate, perpetuating the founding philosophy while embracing a vertical, fresh style. The entire vineyard has been farmed under certified biodynamic practices since 2013, with fully manual viticulture on the steep slopes.

The vineyard

This Cornas Les Vieilles Vignes 2016 comes from around ten Syrah plots aged from thirty to seventy years, located on steep south- and southeast-facing hillsides behind the village of Cornas. These vines root deeply into decomposed granite soils locally known as "gores", spread across several renowned lieux-dits: Combe, Patou, La Côte, Tézier, Mazards, Chaillot and the Saint-Pierre plateau. The steep gradients require entirely manual viticulture, encouraging naturally low yields and exceptional aromatic concentration. Direct exposure to the southern sun creates a microclimate that allows Syrah to develop optimal ripeness and remarkable intensity.

The vintage

The 2016 vintage in the Northern Vallée du Rhône was marked by a cold, wet spring, followed by a damp June but with successful flowering. From July onward, conditions improved significantly, with a hot, dry summer promoting ideal grape ripening. Harvest began around three weeks later than in 2015, extending into October. The grapes reached full ripeness with no green notes, and perfectly balanced natural alcohol levels. This harmonious year produced wines with balance, freshness and remarkable aging potential.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Cornas Les Vieilles Vignes 2016 underwent 90% partial destemming prior to fermentation. Vinification was carried out with indigenous yeasts in 30- to 50-hectoliter stainless-steel tanks, alongside three- to four-week macerations with daily or twice-daily punch-downs and pump-overs. Aging lasted twenty months in 228-liter barrels, with moderate use of new oak between 15% and 20%, favoring terroir expression over an oaky signature.

Grape variety

100% Syrah