Auguste Clape was one of the most respected and pioneering figures in the Northern Rhône, particularly in the appellation of Cornas, a small but historically significant wine-producing region known for powerful, age-worthy red wines made exclusively from Syrah. His name has become synonymous with uncompromising quality and traditional winemaking, and his legacy is carried on today by his family through Domaine Auguste Clape, which continues to set the benchmark for Cornas wines.

The story of the Clape estate begins in the 19th century, but it took a decisive turn in 1949, when Auguste Clape married Ariette Frugier, whose family owned about four hectares of vineyards in Cornas. Over time, the domaine expanded and refined its focus, but remained firmly rooted in traditional practices and the unique terroir of Cornas. Today, the estate covers approximately 8 hectares, primarily in Cornas, with a small parcel in the nearby appellation of Saint-Péray, where they produce white wine.

The vineyards are located on steep, terraced slopes—some with gradients of 50% or more—making mechanization impossible and requiring all vineyard work to be done by hand. These granite-rich slopes, combined with the Mediterranean-influenced microclimate of the Northern Rhône, provide ideal conditions for producing intense, structured, and deeply expressive Syrah wines. The vines are mostly old, and yields are kept low to ensure concentration and complexity in the grapes.

In the cellar, the Clape family has always adhered to a deeply traditional winemaking philosophy. Grapes are typically harvested by hand and fermented with whole clusters (grappes entières), using only indigenous yeasts. Fermentation takes place in concrete vats, and aging is carried out in large, old oak foudres rather than small barrels, allowing the purity of fruit and the character of the terroir to shine without excessive oak influence. The wines are typically aged for around two years before bottling.

The flagship wine of the estate is simply labeled Cornas, a profound and age-worthy Syrah that has become a cult classic among connoisseurs. It is known for its deep, dark fruit, powerful tannic structure, and characteristic notes of black olive, smoked meat, graphite, crushed rock, and black pepper. Though often brooding and tightly wound in its youth, Clape's Cornas develops tremendous complexity and elegance with age, often rewarding 10–20 years of cellaring. In addition to their main Cornas cuvée, the estate also produces Cornas "Renaissance", a more approachable wine made from younger vines, as well as Côtes-du-Rhône and Vin de France cuvées that reflect the same seriousness and quality as the flagship wines.

One of the more unique aspects of the Clape estate is their small production of white wine from Saint-Péray, an appellation just a few kilometers from Cornas, traditionally known for its sparkling wines but increasingly appreciated for still whites. Clape’s Saint-Péray is made from Marsanne, sometimes blended with Roussanne, and is fermented and aged in older barrels to preserve freshness and allow the wine to express its stony minerality, floral lift, and orchard fruit character. Though much less known than their reds, this wine has gained increasing attention from sommeliers and Rhône enthusiasts.

In recent years, vintages such as 2018 and 2020 have received outstanding critical acclaim. For example, the 2018 Cornas received 99 points from Falstaff, with praise for its aromatic complexity, minerality, and aging potential. Similarly, the 2021 Saint-Péray Blanc was noted for its vibrant acidity, pear and white flower notes, and long, saline finish.

Auguste Clape passed away in 2018, but the domaine remains firmly in the hands of the family, with his son Pierre-Marie Clape and grandson Olivier Clape continuing his work. They have preserved the core principles of their patriarch’s approach: respect for the land, minimal intervention in the cellar, and a belief that truly great wine is made in the vineyard.

Today, Domaine Auguste Clape is widely considered the reference point for Cornas, and one of the great traditional domaines of France. Their wines are highly allocated, sought after by collectors, and frequently featured on the world’s finest wine lists. Whether you are a seasoned Rhône drinker or new to Syrah, Clape's wines offer an unmatched combination of rustic beauty, authenticity, and aging potential that speak to the very soul of the Northern Rhône.