
Mathieu Barret Black Flag Ardeche 2022
Black Flag is made from Syrah grown in the terroirs of Ardèche. It is aged for 12 months in concrete eggs and used oak barrels, with a final ageing of a year in concrete tanks. This is a very fresh Syrah with a silky and delicate texture. The nose has notes of liquorice, violet, black olive tapenade, cured meats and pink peppercorn, wrapped around a core of dark fruit. On the palate is savoury, medium-bodied, and absolutely delicious. A very clean, fresh and lively Northern Rhone.
Great next to grilled meat dishes or mature cheeses.
Since 1998, a new era in Cornas winemaking has been championed by Mathieu Barret, part of a passionate generation dedicated to this unique Rhône Valley terroir. His 20 hectares of vineyards, perched on terraces bathed in morning sun, produce wines under the label "Domaine du Coulet." Barret’s approach revolves around biodynamic farming, working with the region's distinctive decomposed granite soils, known as "gore," to create wines that truly express their origins. His goal remains unchanged: crafting terroir-driven wines that showcase the essence of Cornas with freshness and elegance.
In his pursuit of purity, Barret made a bold shift in 2017 by abandoning oak barrels in favor of stainless steel, concrete, and ceramic vessels to preserve the aromatic freshness of his wines. The result is a lineup that defies the traditional image of Cornas—no harsh tannins or rigid structures, just smooth, flavorful wines with a sincere expression. Through minimal intervention and a focus on balance, Barret's wines offer a new vision for Cornas, highlighting a lighter, more digestible profile.