Thierry Allemand
Summary
Thierry Allemand operates a small 5-hectare domaine in Cornas, crafting limited-production Syrah from the steep, granite-rich slopes of Chaillot and Reynard vineyards that he personally reclaimed from abandonment. His meticulous approach combines organic farming, high whole-cluster percentages, foot punch-downs, and extended aging in used demi-muids, resulting in pure expressions of terroir that have achieved cult status while helping elevate the entire appellation.
Heritage & Leadership
Thierry Allemand established his domaine in Cornas in the Northern Rhône during the late 1980s, following an apprenticeship with Cornas vigneron Robert Michel. Before launching his own label, Allemand spent years meticulously restoring abandoned vineyard parcels on the steep slopes of Cornas, manually rebuilding terraces and replanting vines in sites that had been neglected since phylloxera. His path to winemaking was not inherited but deliberately chosen—Allemand purchased his first vineyard parcels gradually while working for other producers in the region.
The domaine remains small and independently operated by Thierry himself, with occasional help from family members. Unlike many Northern Rhône producers who expanded their operations over time, Allemand has maintained a focused approach, deliberately keeping production limited to preserve quality and maintain personal oversight of all aspects of viticulture and winemaking. His dedication to these challenging vineyard sites has contributed significantly to the renewed recognition of Cornas as a distinctive terroir within the Northern Rhône.
Vineyards & Wines
Allemand's holdings comprise approximately 5 hectares of vineyards situated on the granite-based slopes of Cornas. His parcels are primarily located in two principal sites: Chaillot, with its varied exposures and mix of granite, limestone, and clay soils; and Reynard, a steeper, south-facing site with decomposed granite soils and greater sun exposure. The vineyards range in elevation from 100 to 300 meters above sea level, with terraced plantings on slopes that can exceed 45-degree gradients in some sections.
The domaine produces two main cuvées: Cornas "Chaillot" and Cornas "Reynard," both made from 100% Syrah as required by appellation law. The Chaillot vineyard contains vines ranging from 20 to 40 years old, while Reynard features some of his oldest plantings, with vines averaging 40+ years. Annual production remains small, typically yielding fewer than 1,000 cases total across both cuvées. In exceptional vintages, Allemand also produces a small quantity of "Sans Soufre" (without added sulfur) Cornas, though this is not made every year.
Philosophy & Practice
Allemand adheres to traditional viticultural and winemaking methods, with vineyard work performed entirely by hand due to the steep terrain. He practices organic viticulture with minimal treatments, focusing on preventative measures rather than reactive interventions. Harvest is conducted manually, with rigorous sorting in the vineyard.
In the cellar, Allemand employs whole-cluster fermentation for a significant portion of his harvest, typically ranging from 50-100% depending on the vintage and parcel. Fermentations occur in concrete tanks with indigenous yeasts and minimal temperature control. Maceration periods extend from three to four weeks, with gentle extraction achieved through daily punch-downs performed by foot in the traditional manner. The wines age for 18-24 months in used French oak barrels, primarily demi-muids (600 liters) with some smaller barriques, none of which are new.
Bottling is completed without fining or filtration, and with minimal sulfur dioxide additions. Allemand's approach emphasizes transparency of terroir, with each cuvée designed to express the distinctive characteristics of its vineyard site rather than winemaking technique. His production methods have remained consistent throughout his career, prioritizing quality and site expression over volume or technological efficiency.