Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 60 2020

Vincent Paris, whose first vintage was 1997, is as shy as his wines are bold. Nephew to Cornas legend Robert Michel, he began making wine alongside his uncle before striking out independently. Today, he is building his own facilities, including a courtyard with an apricot plantation, while co-presiding over the Cornas appellation with Jacques Lemencier.

Vincent manages eight hectares of vineyards, producing roughly 2,500 cases annually, including 1,600 Cornas. He inherited much of his land from his grandfather—some vines dating back 90 years—and later acquired parcels from his uncle, including the prized “Geynale” in the Cornas amphitheater. His vineyards sit primarily on southeast-facing slopes, with a small lot in Saint Joseph.

A meticulous grower, Vincent prunes to only four bunches per vine to concentrate energy and reduce green harvesting. He protects surrounding forests, believing healthy ecosystems benefit the vines. In the cellar, fermentation is carried out at low temperatures, with wines maturing up to 12 months in oak.

Vincent also produces “little wines”—a Syrah VdP and Crozes-Hermitage—to meet demand from new customers. His Saint Joseph red is made from 1990s vines, vinified half in used barrels and half in tank.

The Cornas lineup includes Granit “30” and “60,” named for vineyard slope gradients. Granit 30 is approachable, Syrah-forward black fruit, while Granit 60 is classic Cornas: dense, mineral-driven, with aromas of iron and kidney. At the pinnacle is Cornas “La Geynale,” primarily from 1910 Genale vines, blended with 20–30% Reynard, a unique expression honored by the added “y” in its name.