Matthieu Barret is best known for his Cornas, but Petit Ours (little bear) is his approachable Côtes du Rhône and it is a very fine thing. Fresh red cherry, raspberry, violet and a touch of cracked pepper; medium-bodied and juicy on the palate with a mineral freshness on the finish that punches well above the appellation. Drink it freely and happily.

Great next to grilled lamb cutlets, roast chicken with herbs, charcuterie and olives.

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.