Corney & Barrow 

We are greatly indebted to Clive Coates MW for an introduction to Gilles Jourdan, a lovely man, shy and self-effacing, with whom we would never had any contact had it not been for Clive. The village of Corgoloin is pretty far off the main drag, after all, and the cellar is absolutely tiny. Gilles is obviously and deservedly fiercely proud of his vines and wines. There are just 5 hectares here, part owned part en fermage including a monopole, La Robignotte, a lieu-dit which is absolutely top-notch, for what is essentially a basic villages wine. In past tastings, Gilles has been extremely generous, allowing us to try older vintages in order that we might witness the incredible potential of his vineyard parcels. The structure, complexity and finesse, we have experienced, totally outrank the wines’ status. This is clearly exceptional terroir, allied to well-handled, sensitive winemaking. Gilles Jourdan is a one man band, run with enthusiasm and passion.

Photo: Gilles Jourdan