New Arrival | Domaine Cornin

The best introductions in life come via friends. So, when Romain Cornin from the village of Chaintré in Macon was tipped off by Arnaud Mortet that he should look no further than Goedhuis for a new UK importer, we were delighted to make his acquaintance. History has taught us the best growers only recommend those whose quality ideals match their own. So, it was with great excitement that we requested a selection of wines from Romain and his wife Adeline to taste.
We were not disappointed. We received 6 different cuvées from this fine 10 hectare domaine and in truth we could have chosen them all. After much deliberation we decided an introduction of our two favourites would be best, before expanding into the greater depth of their single vineyard range…
There is so much that makes this domaine special. Romain and his father Dominique are men of the soil, their attitude summed up by Romain’s ambition for the estate, “accomplishing my dream to become a vigneron fills me with a sense of freedom: The freedom to spend my days, as I see fit, in the thick of my vines, true to my father’s work philosophy and his love of the soil. At his side, I aspire to create a wine that reflects who I am and that I enjoy sharing.”
Domaine Cornin is something of a rarity in the Maconnais, being an organic practitioner since 2000. Their ideology is to show to all the true expression of both the fruit and the soil in their wines. Whilst oak is used in the Pouilly Fuissé their desire is for it to have minimal impact and the Macon wines are carefully aged on their lees in cuves to preserve their brightness and freshness.
These wines are a total joy, sourced from some of the oldest vineyards in the region. There is complete respect to individual terroirs and they have an excitement to them, fresh and bright but also juicy and warming. As William Kelley of The Wine Advocate says, “This is a serious estate and Romain Cornin’s commitment to his vineyards is just as evident as his diligence in the cuverie and cellar." We think the introduction of Domaine Cornin’s 2019s will mark the start of a long and happy relationship.
2019 Mâcon Chaintré Les Serreuxdières Dominique Cornin
£130.72 In Bond £189.00 Inc VAT-
Goedhuis, April 2022
The south-easterly exposure of the vineyards of Chaintré guarantees perfect ripeness for these Chardonnay grapes, beautifully highlighted in this singe vineyard plot of Serreuxdiéres. Attractive aromas of bright clementine and apricot balance a subtle richness of fruit with a lift of freshness and a long, creamy textured finish.
2019 Pouilly Fuissé Dominique Cornin
£103.28 In Bond £140.00 Inc VAT-
Goedhuis, May 2021
Selected from aged vineyards planted between 1909 and 1965 in Fuissé. This is a wonderful example of the bright mineral purity of fruit that is the hallmark of the domaine and the delightful opulence that is Pouilly Fuissé. Striking lemon citrus aromas, with layers of scented white stone fruits and a hint of fresh double cream. This has a graceful breadth that coats the mouth and is full of life and energy. The flavours have a touch of tropical fruits, though always subtle, and the overall clarity of this wine shows the great class of the appellation.
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Decanter, October 2021, Score: 91
Romain Cornin, based in the village of Chaintré in Macon, has been producing organically at this 10ha estate since 2000. The vines were planted between 1909 and 1965 with oak being used more sparingly than in many Pouilly-Fuissés. The resulting wine has an intriguing, floral and herbal nose, and although quite plush on the palate, there is plenty of drive and energy here with restrained oak and complex flavours of fennel and aniseed, balancing some tropical notes.