DOMAINE A & E VERSET

Sixth-Generation Vigneron - Continuing a Legacy

Sixth-generation vigneron, Emmanuelle Verset, is at the helm of this fabled Cornas domaine.

The Cornas today bears few similarities to the Cornas post World War 2. Most vignerons left, abandoning their steep granitic vineyards in search of more lucrative occupations. However, Noël Verset, Emmanuelle’s great-uncle, was among the few that stayed. Joining his father in 1931 at age 12 and working his family vineyards for more than 70 years. He upheld the Cornas tradition of producing a single wine by blending his now famed lieux-dits. This hefty arsenal of pure, balanced, terroir transparent wines not only helped save Cornas, it set the standard for the region and secured Cornas’s place in the pantheon of France’s most exalted terroirs and age-worthy wines. Today, Noël Verset Cornas are among the most coveted wines in the world, commanding high prices.

With no direct heirs, Noël ended up selling his vineyards to colleagues and family. His nephew Alain took over his vines in Champelrose, a vineyard Noël felt brought red fruits and earthy character to his blend. Additionally, Alain inherited prime plots in Les Mazards and La Geynale — both now 100+ years old — from his father, Louis (Noël’s brother).

Emmanuelle proudly continues the traditions of her great-uncle and father, while seeking to improve her work to address the all-so-evident climate challenges. Verset subscribes to organic viticulture, taller poles for higher trellising to increase vegetative growth during the growing season. However, the core remains the same – whole bunches, minimal new oak and blending her five lieux-dits (Champelrose, Les Cotes, La Cote, Les Mazards and Reynard) to produce her flagship Cornas. Additionally, she makes a wine called “Signature” which is a barrel selection of old vines from the La Geynale vineyard.