WINE DESCRIPTION
Founded in 1931 by Franck's grandfather, Casimir, Domaine Balthazar took a pivotal turn in the 50s when René, Franck's father, assumed leadership. René, a trailblazer in the appellation, joined August Clape in the 70s, transitioning from selling wine in barrels to bottling their own. Today, Franck has embraced a more serene approach—biodynamics in the vineyard, spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, and partial stem inclusion in ancient cement tanks. Aging in old demi-muid barrels and bottling without fining or filtration showcase Franck's belief in expressing the Syrah's magnificent perfume. The estate's ancient vineyards, planted with the local Petite Syrah clone, contribute to its unique and complex aromatics, making Franck Balthazar a discreet star in Cornas, alongside August Clape.
NOTES FROM VINOVOSS SOMMELIER
This Cornas from Franck Balthazar is a deep, dark and concentrated red wine, with notes of ripe blackberry, cassis and smoky minerality.On the palate, it shows a fine and silky tannic structure, with a long, complex finish. It has a great balance between its fruit and acidity, making it a great partner for red meats, game and hard cheeses.
EXPERT RATING
4.3
DRINKING WINDOW
Now
2060
Profile
Sweetness:
Dry
Dry
Lusciously Sweet
Alcohol:
High
Very Low Alcohol
Very High
Intensity:
Pronounced
Subtle
Powerful
Body:
Full
Light Bodied
Full Bodied
Acidity:
Refreshing
Soft
Crisp
Tannin:
Grippy
No Tannin
Grippy
GRAPES (1)
Shiraz/Syrah
ORIGINS
Winery: Franck Balthazar
Region: Rhone
The Rhone wine region is located in southeastern France. It runs along the Rhone River roughly from Lyon in the north to Avignon in the south. It is divided into two main sub-regions: the Northern Rhone, running from Lyon to Montelimar, and the Southern Rhone, from Montelimar to Avignon. Although wines of all color are made, both regions are most famous for thier red wine. The Northern Rhone is known for its full-bodied red wines made from Syrah grapes with the possible inclusion of some white grapes, while the Southern Rhone is known for its blends of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes. The region has a long history of wine production, dating back to the ancient Romans with the sites of some former Roman vineyards being replanted surrounding the town of Vienne.CUSTOMER RATING
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