The history of Cornulus begins in 1986. Two cousins, Stéphane Reynard and Dany Varone, joined forces and produced their first wines in a self-taught manner in a garage. The importance of the terroir in creating great wines quickly became evident. In 1989, they leased their first vineyards on the hillsides of Sion and embarked on the project of building a true wine heritage. The acquisition in the early 1990s of the first terraces of the Clos de Mangold realised their vision. In 1999, the duo acquired the Clos des Corbassières, a prestigious historic estate located at the gates of Sion on the hill of Mont d’Orge. During the 2000s, several plots located in the Grand Cru zone between Sion and Sierre were added to this heritage. In 2015, the magnificent Clos des Monzuettes, located west of Sierre and planted only with indigenous Valais grape varieties, completed the estate.
At the same time, they began experimenting with biodynamics in 1999 to produce wines bearing the signature of their terroir. Each plot is vinified separately to highlight its characteristics and potential. Certified by Bio Suisse, the Cornulus estate is committed to sustainable viticulture and environmental respect. Stéphane Reynard and Dany Varone were awarded the « Foreign Winemaker of the Year » prize by the Grand Tasting of Paris in 2007 for their Cornalin Vieilles Vignes Clos des Corbassières 2004.
Today, the Cornulus estate operates approximately 17 hectares, representing more than 250 vine terraces located between Sion and Sierre. The diversity of terroirs and indigenous grape varieties allows for the production of natural wines, which serve as ambassadors for the Valais.
Octoglaive – Terre Calcaire
Derived from a mosaic of terraced vineyards and grape varieties planted on the finest terroirs of central Valais, marked by a strong presence of calcareous schist, and featuring indigenous grape varieties such as Petite Arvine, Païen, or Amigne.
Le Clos de Mangold
The distinctive feature of Clos de Mangold lies in its unique terroir composed of gypsum. On the steep slope, generation after generation, the winemaker’s hand has built a magnificent terraced vineyard that produces excellent white wines with remarkable minerality.
Monzuettes
Monzuettes, meaning “small hills” in the local dialect, is situated to the west of Sierre, overlooking the Rhône plain. This vineyard winds around three hills, nestled within which is the Clos des Monzuettes, producing characterful wines with a marked mineral imprint.
Le Clos des Corbassières
A true treasure of the estate, located at the gates of Sion and a key location in Valaisan viticulture, the Clos des Corbassières consists of 52 terraces clinging to the hill of Mont d’Orge. This exceptional terroir produces wines of great finesse, density, and complexity.
Antica
Antica is the name of a selection of vineyards cultivated using biodynamic practices. Rare and complex, the wines in this range receive the utmost care and are stored in an ancient mine excavated in 1917.
OUR WINE SELECTION
The Cornalin Antica comes from three exceptional terroirs located in the heart of the Valais (Corbassières, Mangold, and Monzuettes). This “Rouge du Pays” is characterised by an intense nose of black fruits, blueberry, blackberry, and Morello cherry. It has a full, silky mouthfeel with noble tannins. The finish is dense, complex, and aromatic. Aged in barrels in the Mangold tunnel, the Cornalin Antica improves after a few years of cellaring.
Pinot Noir from Clos des Corbassières. Several selections of Pinot Noir make up this ruby-toned wine. The bouquet is characterised by flavors of small fruits, raspberry, strawberry, and a hint of black tea. It complements beautifully grilled meats over an open fire and is the best-selling wine of the estate, highly popular in Verbier.
Clos de Mangold Vieilles Vignes. The Chasselas Vieilles Vignes develops intense aromas of white peach, apricot, with notes of spices. It was awarded an exceptional score of 92/100 by Robert Parker for the 2014 vintage. Its aging potential is well recognised, and it is a part of the Memory of Swiss Wines. Ideal for an aperitif or to pair with poultry, sweetbreads, or tuna steak.