Founded in 1931 by Franck Balthazar's grandfather, Casimir Balthazar, this domain saw real change under its current director. Balthazar really admired the elegance of the wines from Pierre-Marie Clape and the natural fruitiness of wines from Thierry Allemand. This inspired him to combine the two elements, and his efforts paid off! Along the way he converted his vineyard to organic in 2010 and he cultivates the land with a hand-plough. In the cellar activities are no less meticulous. Whole-cluster fermentation is kicked off with indigenous yeasts, followed by a long maceration and maturation over 12-18 months in old demi-muids so the wood does not affect the taste of the wine. Sulphite additions are limited. These ingredients are conducive to complex, delicate and well-balanced wines. Behold one of the iconic domains in the Cornas appellation!

Casimir Balthazar, at the helm of this family estate, is a renowned expert in natural Cornas wines, following in the footsteps of neighbouring winemakers such as Thierry Allemand. His Juliette cuvée is produced from old Syrah vines that belonged to his wife’s grandmother… Juliette! These vines are cultivated with the utmost care, following organic principles, on rugged plots requiring manual labour, involving pickaxes and winches.
In the winery, the quest to excellence and showcase the terroir continues. For this reason, the winegrower and winemaker have a hands-off approach. Fermentation is triggered by indigenous yeasts, and the skins of the berries macerate with the must at length to give it flavour, colour and substance. The wine is then left to rest in demi-muids for a year to a year and a half. It is then bottled with a homeopathic dose of sulphur.
The confidential quantities of this wine, some 500, deserve to be appreciated with great attention. Designed for ageing, this wine offers nobility, verticality and delicate fruit structured by deep graphite notes.