The why, the what and the how of...
Domaine Lionnet
Domaine Lionnet is the first Cornas producer to join the Great Domaines family. With over twenty years of importing wines from France, it has taken certainly taken us a while to introduce Cornas to our portfolio, but you can never be in rush when seeking out the best and we believe Lionnet is one of the top domaines today in Cornas.
Ludovic Izerable, a refugee from the Haute Savoie city of Grenoble, married Corinne Lionnet whose winegrowing family in the village of Cornas dates all the way back to 1575. Corinne took control of the domaine in 2003 when her father Pierre retired. The couple immediately converted the domaine to organic farming and have been certified since 2009.
The domaine comprises a mere four hectares, in Cornas and Saint Joseph. In Cornas, they have seven parcels of vines, ageing between 40 and over 100 years old, and one parcel of young vines that was planted in 2008. No pesticides, herbicides or commercial fertilisers are used, and the soil is worked by horse and a small caterpillar-tracked machine. Grapes are handpicked and vinified as whole bunches. No new wood is used at all.