Auguste Clape
History and Background
In the 1940s, Auguste married Henriette Rousset, whose family owned about 12 acres of vines, and began working at the estate. Clape was one of the first producers to bottle wine under its own estate label in the 1950s.
Vineyards and Terroir
Domaine Auguste Clape's vineyards are situated in the Cornas appellation of the northern Rhône Valley, France, covering approximately 8 hectares:
Soil Composition: The vineyards are planted on granite soils, which are ideal for producing powerful and structured wines.
Grape Varieties: The estate focuses on Syrah, producing exceptional Cornas wines that are known for their intensity, depth, and aging potential.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: Auguste Clape's wines prominently feature robust and structured profiles, marked by rich flavors of black fruits like blackcurrant and plum, intermingled with spicy undertones. Accompanying these flavors are aromatic impressions of tobacco and cedar, enhancing the overall complexity of the wines. The presence of high acidity ensures freshness, lends structure, contributes to the firmness of the tannins, and signals excellent potential for aging.
- Winemaking Philosophy: At the core of Auguste Clape's winemaking philosophy is a profound commitment to expressing the distinctive characteristics of the estate's terroir. This commitment is realized through a harmonious blend of traditional methods and innovative practices. The philosophy extends to sustainable and organic vineyard practices, ensuring that every aspect from soil health to vine vitality is carefully managed. Key practices include hand-harvesting and selective green harvesting, which are critical in maintaining grape quality at its highest.
Reputation
Auguste Clape is a highly respected wine producer in the Northern Rhône region of France, particularly renowned for its exceptional Syrah wines from the Cornas appellation. This winery has been pivotal in establishing the prestige of Cornas wines on the global stage, transitioning their reputation from rustic to revered.
A unique aspect of Auguste Clape’s approach is their commitment to traditional winemaking methods. The estate is known for its use of whole-cluster fermentation, a technique that includes fermenting the entire grape bunches, stems included, which can add complexity and a distinctive character to the wine. This method, combined with aging in old oak barrels, allows the terroir - the unique environmental conditions in which the grapes are grown - to shine through prominently in the wine. The wines are celebrated for their intensity, depth, and capability to age gracefully.
Another significant factor contributing to the winery’s prestige is its history and the continuity of family involvement in the operations. The Clape family has been involved in winemaking in Cornas for generations, with knowledge and traditions passed down, ensuring a consistent, high-quality output that respects the heritage of the region.
Moreover, the scarcity of their wine, due to the small size of their vineyards and the limited production, adds an element of exclusivity that further elevates their status among wine collectors and enthusiasts. The focused dedication to a single appellation, Cornas, allows Auguste Clape to maintain a specialized expertise, producing wines that are considered quintessential expressions of the Syrah grape from this unique terroir.
Final Thoughts
Auguste Clape stands as a pivotal figure in the Rhône Valley, specifically revered for elevating the status of Cornas wine. Known for his unwavering commitment to traditional winemaking methodologies, Clape's approach has significantly shaped the identity of Cornas, making his wines highly sought after by connoisseurs and collectors alike. His mastery in harnessing the full potential of the Syrah grape, grown on the steep, terraced slopes of the region, results in wines that are richly expressive and remarkably age-worthy. Associating both rusticity with elegance, the Clape family, under his stewardship and then his descendants, have continued to produce wines that capture the essence of their terroir with unyielding authenticity. This dedication to tradition and quality has not only secured Auguste Clape a prestigious standing among the elite wine producers of the world but has also ensured that his legacy endures as an emblematic figure in the world of viticulture.