Eric & Joel Durand | Paul M. Young Fine Wines

Eric & Joel Durand took over the family Estate in 1991.
They learned from the previous generations and improved year after year the quality of their wines.They focused their efforts in the vineyard first as it is impossible to make good wines without good grapes. The work is especially hard on the steeply slopes of Saint Joseph (18 acres) and Cornas (12 acres), where they have to rebuild the terraces every year to maintain the earth on the soils.
After 20 years of this meticulous work, the two brothers managed to extract the best grapes ever. The vinification and the ageing is just a natural accompaniment of the grapes. They do not apply a determined receipe to produce their wines. According to the wine or cuvee, the fermentation with last 15 to 30 days and the ageing will happen either in concrete, stainless steel or in barrels. Only a small part of the barrels are new.
With their experience and the finesse of their palates, the Durand brother’s accounts now amongst the most recognized producers on the Northern Rhone Valley, internationally acclaimed by many writers.

Characteristics of the Terroir

AOC Cornas
Vineyards: the area covered by this Appellation is limited to the commune of Cornas in the French Department Ardèche, on the right bank of the Rhône.
Soil types: some silt laden deposits, granite and migma- tite, extremely steep granitic terraces supported by small retaining walls.
Climate: very sunny with the slopes having South and South -east aspects.
Background: this wine’s fame has not diminished since the 10th Century and has been served at the Royal tables of France and elsewhere. In the 19th Century its “quoted” value was the same as Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Only phylloxera followed by urbanisation were to almost get the better of it! A.O.C. status and a renewal of its former high quality have enabled the vineyards to regain their flair and reputation. Cornas was consecrated Local A.O.C. in 1938.

AOC Saint Joseph
Vineyards: these spread over approximately fifty kilometres of the right bank of the Rhône, from Cha- vanay in the North to Guilherand in the South, and include 26 communes, 23 of which are in the Ardèche, and 3 in the Loire.
Soil types: light soils of schist and gneiss on a granitic bedrock. South/South-east aspect.
Climate: moderate continental, hot dry summers with regular rainfall during the other seasons.
Background: delicate and delicious, this wine was being sold as early as the 16th century being enjoyed at the tables of the French Kings. It was given its present name in the 17th Century by the Jesuits of Tournon. In the years between 1956 and 1969, all the vineyards of this part of the Côtes du Rhône were grouped together and were consecrated Local A.O.C. Saint-Joseph.

Saint-Joseph Les Coteaux 2016

Ripe nose of red fruit, full fleshy mouth, nice concentration with rounded tannins. Accompaniment advice: Red meat, meat casseroles, grilled meat

Location: In the south of the St Joseph appellation area. The vines are planted on steep hills facing south-south-west. Size of the vineyard/Production (in cases): “Les Coteaux” covers 7ha and produce 22,000 bottles. Terroir: Granite soils Age of the vines: 15 to 25 years Yields: 38 hl/ha Grape varieties: 100% Syrah Vinification: The grapes are harvested when their balance is at its best. Fermentation starts after destemming and cold maceration for 4 days at 8°C. The cap is punched every day by hand. The length of vinification depends on the harvest’s potential (15 to28 days). Type of ageing: The soft fruity wines are matured in concrete vats and the more concentrated ones for 12 months in barrels (225l) used 1 to 5 times.

Saint-Joseph Lautaret 2016

Nose of ripe red fruit with a touch of pepper. A powerful mouth with tannins which are noticeable but fine and elegant. Accompaniment advice: Red meat, meat casseroles, grilled meat, game

Location : Selection of plots high on a hillside (Lautaret) above the village of Chateaubourg. Size of the vineyard/Production: about a hectare and produce about 3000 bottles. Terroir: Granite soils Age of the vines: 20 years Yields: 35hl/ha Grape varieties: 100% Syrah Vinification: The grapes are harvested when their balance is at its best. Fermentation starts after destemming and cold maceration for 4 days at 8°C. The cap is punched every day by hand. Vinification lasts 28 days. Type of ageing: LAUTARET is matured in two types of barrel: 20% new and the rest used 3 to 4 times.

Cornas Premices 2016

Concentrated nose of stone fruits. The mouth is full with soft but tight tannins. This wine is very generous and long-lasting with a fresh finish. Accompaniment advice: Red meat, meat casseroles, grilled meat, game, cheeses

Location: Selection of plots in areas producing soft refined wines. Size of the vineyard/Total Production: These vines produce 4000 bottles. Terroir: Granite soils Age of the vines: 8 to 10 years Yields: 35hl/ha Grape varieties: 100% Syrah Vinification: The grapes are harvested when their balance is at its best. Fermentation starts after destemming and cold maceration for 4 days at 8°C. The cap is punched every day by hand. Vinification lasts 18 days. Type of ageing: PREMICES is matured for 12 months in casks used 1 to 4 times.

Cornas Empreintes 2016

Highly concentrated nose of stone fruits and spices. The mouth is very powerful with really tight tannins. This wine is very strong and generous, but also has great delicacy. Accompaniment advice: Red meat, meat casseroles, grilled meat, game, cheeses.

Location: Plots in different parts of the Cornas area Size of the vineyard/Total Production: The vines for this wine cover 3ha and produce 18,000 bottles. Terroir: Granite soils Age of the vines: 10 to 15 years Yields: 35hl/ha Grape varieties: 100% Syrah Vinification: The grapes are harvested when their balance is at its best. Fermentation starts after destemming and cold maceration for 4 days at 8°C. The cap is punched every day by hand. Vinification lasts 18 to 28 days. Type of ageing: Empreintes is matured in two types of barrel: 20% new and the rest used 1 to 5 times.

Cornas Confidence 2016

Highly complex nose of stone fruits and spices. The mouth is very powerful. The tannins are robust but elegant. This is a wine for cellaring but it can be enjoyed young because of its great delicacy. Accompaniment advice: Red meat, meat casseroles, grilled meat, game, cheeses

Location: Selection of harvests in two areas of Cornas where the soil is shallow. Terroir: Granite soils Age of the vines: 20 to 25 years Yields: 35hl/ha Grape varieties: 100% Syrah Vinification: The grapes are harvested when their balance is at its best. Fermentation starts after destemming and cold maceration for 4 days at 8°C. The cap is punched every day by hand. Vinification lasts 28 days. Type of ageing: CONFIDENCE is matured in two types of barrel: 20% new and the rest used 1 to 5 times.

Rhône