The Estate

Domaine Lionnet is a traditional Cornas domaine run by the husband and wife team of Ludovic Izérable and Corinne Lionnet, the estate has been organic since 2007, and officially organic since 2012. The low intervention wines from this small artisanal estate are classically proportioned and distinctly graceful in style, and they continue to sneak under the radar of northern Rhône enthusiasts.

Viticulture and Vinification

The vines are all between the ages of 40 and 100 years old, and while organically certified, the vineyards are farmed biodynamically. The grapes are hand picked by parcel and vinified separately. Fermentation with whole clusters occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in cement vats, and the wines are aged in large old oak barrels, only replaced when the old ones have outlived their usefulness. The wines are not fined or filtered.

Wines Produced

SAINT JOSEPH Pierre Blanche

SAINT JOSEPH Terre Neuve

CORNAS Terre Brûlée

CORNAS Pur Granit

Critical Praise

“Ludovic Izerable is making some the best traditionally styled wines in Cornas right now, but they are by no means rustic or forbiddingly tannic, which some people still believe is the “traditional” version of wines from the appellation.”

Josh Raynolds, Vinous.com

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country:  France

Region:  Rhone

Appellation:  Cornas

Founded:  1575

Annual Production: 1,500 cases

Farming: Organic and practicing Biodynamic