Thierry Allemand's journey in winemaking is nothing short of extraordinary. Unlike many renowned French domaines, he did not come from a family entrenched in this tradition or inherit a prestigious estate. Growing up in Cornas, surrounded by ancient vines, he developed an admiration for the local vineyards. His passion for the region's wines blossomed, rivalling the region's most seasoned vignerons.
Starting as a cellar hand at Domaine Robert Michel, Thierry dedicated over ten years to mastering his craft and gaining essential experience in the art of winemaking. During his spare time, he boldly took on the challenge of revitalising an abandoned vineyard he purchased in 1981.
In 1992, he began producing wines that truly reflect his vision and style. His painstaking attention to detail, year after year, has established him as one of the leading wine producers in the Rhône Valley, transforming winemaking into an art form.
Thierry continues to create Cornas wines of exceptional quality, adamantly rejecting the use of new oak barrels for aging—a practice he firmly believes undermines the integrity of Cornas. As he aptly states, "New oak doesn't give anything to Cornas except faults". His meticulous methods include fermenting grapes as whole bunches, minimising sulphur usage, and aging his wines in older oak barrels for 18 to 24 months, depending on the vintage. Thierry Allemand's unwavering commitment to innovative techniques makes his wines a striking representation of the essence of Cornas.