Presentation
The Cornas GORE Matthieu Barret 2015 150cl is a powerful and distinctive northern Rhône red, bottled here in an impressive magnum format. Produced by one of the leading figures of the appellation, this wine captures the rugged character of Cornas while preserving remarkable freshness and precision. The 2015 vintage, warm and generous, offers a concentrated expression of Syrah with deep fruit, refined tannins and a long, savoury finish. In magnum, the evolution is slower and more harmonious, making this bottle particularly suited to long ageing and grand gastronomic occasions.
Origin and Production
- The wine hails from the steep granitic slopes of Cornas, in the northern Rhône Valley. These sun-drenched, terraced vineyards produce reds of great intensity, where Syrah fully expresses its spicy and mineral character.
- It is crafted from 100% Syrah, the emblematic grape of the northern Rhône, renowned for its dark fruit, peppery notes and impressive ageing capacity.
- Vinification typically follows artisanal methods, with careful work in the vineyard, hand-harvesting and gentle extraction to preserve purity of fruit. Ageing is usually conducted in large wooden vessels or neutral barrels to respect the identity of the terroir rather than mark the wine with excessive oak.
This approach reflects the local tradition of Cornas: wines of strong personality, combining rustic energy with ever-greater finesse and precision.
Tasting
- Appearance
Deep, almost opaque ruby with purple reflections, attesting to both concentration and youthfulness, especially in this magnum format.
- Nose
Expressive and complex, with black cherry, blackberry and cassis, intertwined with notes of violets, black olives, cracked pepper and a subtle smoky, ferrous touch typical of granitic Cornas terroirs.
- Palate
Full-bodied and structured, yet finely textured. The attack is dense, with ripe dark fruit, followed by savoury, peppery and mineral nuances. Tannins are firm but well-ripened, and the finish is long, saline and persistent, promising excellent development over time for the Cornas GORE Matthieu Barret 2015 150cl.
Food Pairing & Moments
- Ideal gastronomic pairings include:
- Roast or grilled lamb with herbs
- Game dishes such as venison or wild boar stew
- Charcoal-grilled beef, ribeye or côte de bœuf
- Hearty dishes with mushrooms, black truffle or root vegetables
- Aged hard cheeses with character
- This magnum is perfect for shared meals, festive dinners and tastings among enthusiasts, where its complexity and evolution in the glass can be fully appreciated over several hours.
Ageing Potential and Serving
- The earliest recommended drinking window begins around now for those who enjoy powerful, youthful Syrah, but it will gain in complexity with further cellaring.
- The ageing potential in magnum is significant, with a horizon of 12 to 20 years from the vintage, depending on cellar conditions, allowing tertiary aromas of leather, truffle and dried flowers to emerge.
- Serve at around 16–18°C. Decanting 1 to 3 hours before serving is highly recommended to open up the bouquet and soften the structure, especially while the wine is still in its youthful phase.
