Auguste Clape

The Domaine Clape's historical buildings, dating back to the 19th century, have been inherited by several generations and used for winemaking. Since the 1970s, the Auguste Clape estate has gained a reputation for its traditional Cornas wines. Pierre, Auguste's son, joined the estate in 1988, and Olivier in 2002, continuing the sustainable viticulture of their parents.

Today, Domaine Clape's vineyard covers 8 Ha, including 0.8 Ha of white Marsanne grape variety on the Saint Peray Protected Designation of Origin. The Syrah terraced plots are ideally located in the best areas of the Cornas designation, on natural slopes of up to 50-60%, where machines or tractors cannot be used. The wines produced express the full amplitude of the powerfull Cornas terroir, with remarkable ageing potential. The winemaking process is natural and traditional, with minimal intervention, and the wines are aged in "foudres".

Auguste Clape unquestionably produces the finest wines in the area.The average vine age is high, with some being over 100 years old. Clape's wines tend to be opaque in color, impenetrable on the nose, and densely tannic when young. However, with age, the tannins soften and they develop a seductive perfume of creamy, peppery, black fruits, leading on to complex flavors and nuances on the palate. The wines can age for 25+ years. 

Wine reviewers rate Clape's wines without exception as very good. The Cornas 2015-2020 were rated >95 points by Robert Parker.