Franck Balthazar 'Cuvée Casimir' Cornas, Rhône Valley, France 2021
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DECANT Napa - 2999 Solano, Napa, CA
2999 Solano Avenue
Ste A
Napa CA 94558
United States
Domaine Franck Balthazar, established in 1931, continues its legacy of traditional winemaking under Franck Balthazar, who has managed the estate since 2002. Upholding his grandfather Casimir’s methods, Franck emphasizes organic farming, horse-plowing, and minimal intervention to produce authentic Cornas wines.
• WINEMAKER: Franck Balthazar
• FARMING: Certified Organic; vineyards plowed by horse
• VARIETY: 100% Syrah
• TERROIR: Old vines on granite soils in Mazard, Cornas; steep, high-altitude terraces
• VINIFICATION: Whole-cluster fermentation with native yeasts in concrete vats; 13-day maceration
• AGING: 18 months in neutral 600L demi-muids to preserve purity and aromatic expression
• TASTING NOTES: Vibrant bitter cherry and cassis flavors with spicecake nuances; sharply defined red and blue fruit aromas accompanied by intense floral, botanical herb, and smoky mineral accents; taut and gently chewy texture that deepens through the back half.
• FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled lamb, duck confit, wild mushrooms, aged cheeses
• SCORES: Professional reviews have noted the wine’s classic Cornas character with clear fruit and early tannins, suggesting a 3-4 year period for the tannins to settle.
Domaine Franck Balthazar, established in 1931, continues its legacy of traditional winemaking under Franck Balthazar, who has managed the estate since 2002. Upholding his grandfather Casimir’s methods, Franck emphasizes organic farming, horse-plowing, and minimal intervention to produce authentic Cornas wines.
• WINEMAKER: Franck Balthazar
• FARMING: Certified Organic; vineyards plowed by horse
• VARIETY: 100% Syrah
• TERROIR: Old vines on granite soils in Mazard, Cornas; steep, high-altitude terraces
• VINIFICATION: Whole-cluster fermentation with native yeasts in concrete vats; 13-day maceration
• AGING: 18 months in neutral 600L demi-muids to preserve purity and aromatic expression
• TASTING NOTES: Vibrant bitter cherry and cassis flavors with spicecake nuances; sharply defined red and blue fruit aromas accompanied by intense floral, botanical herb, and smoky mineral accents; taut and gently chewy texture that deepens through the back half.
• FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled lamb, duck confit, wild mushrooms, aged cheeses
• SCORES: Professional reviews have noted the wine’s classic Cornas character with clear fruit and early tannins, suggesting a 3-4 year period for the tannins to settle.
Domaine Franck Balthazar, established in 1931, continues its legacy of traditional winemaking under Franck Balthazar, who has managed the estate since 2002. Upholding his grandfather Casimir’s methods, Franck emphasizes organic farming, horse-plowing, and minimal intervention to produce authentic Cornas wines.
• WINEMAKER: Franck Balthazar
• FARMING: Certified Organic; vineyards plowed by horse
• VARIETY: 100% Syrah
• TERROIR: Old vines on granite soils in Mazard, Cornas; steep, high-altitude terraces
• VINIFICATION: Whole-cluster fermentation with native yeasts in concrete vats; 13-day maceration
• AGING: 18 months in neutral 600L demi-muids to preserve purity and aromatic expression
• TASTING NOTES: Vibrant bitter cherry and cassis flavors with spicecake nuances; sharply defined red and blue fruit aromas accompanied by intense floral, botanical herb, and smoky mineral accents; taut and gently chewy texture that deepens through the back half.
• FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled lamb, duck confit, wild mushrooms, aged cheeses
• SCORES: Professional reviews have noted the wine’s classic Cornas character with clear fruit and early tannins, suggesting a 3-4 year period for the tannins to settle.
Domaine Franck Balthazar, established in 1931, continues its legacy of traditional winemaking under Franck Balthazar, who has managed the estate since 2002. Upholding his grandfather Casimir’s methods, Franck emphasizes organic farming, horse-plowing, and minimal intervention to produce authentic Cornas wines.
• WINEMAKER: Franck Balthazar
• FARMING: Certified Organic; vineyards plowed by horse
• VARIETY: 100% Syrah
• TERROIR: Old vines on granite soils in Mazard, Cornas; steep, high-altitude terraces
• VINIFICATION: Whole-cluster fermentation with native yeasts in concrete vats; 13-day maceration
• AGING: 18 months in neutral 600L demi-muids to preserve purity and aromatic expression
• TASTING NOTES: Vibrant bitter cherry and cassis flavors with spicecake nuances; sharply defined red and blue fruit aromas accompanied by intense floral, botanical herb, and smoky mineral accents; taut and gently chewy texture that deepens through the back half.
• FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled lamb, duck confit, wild mushrooms, aged cheeses
• SCORES: Professional reviews have noted the wine’s classic Cornas character with clear fruit and early tannins, suggesting a 3-4 year period for the tannins to settle.