- Last updated on April 5, 2023
Welcome! This is our Eric and Joel Durand Empreintes Cornas review.
Eric and Joel Durand is a small family-owned winery in the northern Rhône Valley of France, specializing in producing wines from the Cornas appellation.
Their Empreintes cuvée is a Syrah-based wine made from a blend of grapes from different vineyards, each contributing its own unique character to the final blend.
This wine is known for its rich, complex flavor profile and its ability to age gracefully.
Find below our Eric and Joel Durand Empreintes Cornas full review along with our food pairings recommendations, serving tips, curiosity, and where you can buy it.
Let’s begin!
Our Eric and Joel Durand Empreintes Cornas Review
- Brand: Domaine Durand
- Grape Varietal: Syrah
- Region: France, Rhone
- Tasting Notes: Blueberry & Blackberry fruit notes
- Glass & Serving: Bordeaux / 59-64 °F (15-18 °C) / Decant up to 1 hr
- Store: Up to 10-15 Years
- Price Range: ~$49
- Bottle Size: 750 ml
Eric and Joel Durand Empreintes Cornas review: What's its color?
Eric and Joel Durand Empreintes Cornas wine a deep garnet color with hints of purple on the rim.
It forms thick, slow-moving tears when swirled, indicating a full-bodied texture.
If you want to know more about how to taste wine and the lingo that goes with it, check out this article: How To Taste Wine Like a Pro in 4 Steps.
What does Eric and Joel Durand Empreintes Cornas taste like?
Eric and Joel Durand Empreintes Cornas is made from Syrah grapes aged for 12 months in new oak barrels 20% new.
Is Eric and Joel Durand Empreintes Cornas sweet?
No, it’s not sweet. Eric and Joel Durand Empreintes Cornas wine is a dry wine.
Dry wine contains less than 15 g/L.
Learn more about wine sweetness level here.
Eric and Joel Durand Empreintes Cornas review: Which food pairs well with it?
Eric and Joel Durand Empreintes Cornas pairs well with a range of hearty dishes, such as roasted or grilled meats, game, and stews.
It is particularly well-suited to dishes with rich sauces, such as beef bourguignon or coq au vin.
The wine also pairs well with strong, hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar or Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Eric and Joel Durand Empreintes Cornas review: What's its alcohol content?
Eric and Joel Durand Empreintes Cornas wine’s alcohol content is 14.5%.
In case you wonder about alcohol content or more precisely Alcohol By Volume, i.e. ABV, measure the alcoholic strength of a drink.
There is a direct relationship between the sugar left in the wine after the alcoholic fermentation has taken place, i.e. Residual Sugar or RS, and ABV.
During alcoholic fermentation, the yeast transforms the sugar in the grape juice into alcohol.
Grapes with high residual sugar will therefore produce dry wine with a high ABV.
How many calories are in a glass of Eric and Joel Durand Empreintes Cornas wine?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture [1] a 5-ounce glass will contain about 120 to 130 calories.
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. So a wine with high ABV will have a higher calories per glass than a wine with low ABV.
Furthermore, sugar contributes to the calorie count.
A dry wine will usually have 4 calories per grams vs a sweet wine that will have around 20 calories per grams of carbs, which include sugar.
What is Domaine Durand?
Here is an extract from an article on Domaine Durand wines:
“We are two brothers: Eric and Joël. Our vineyard covers 20 ha. We are located in the south of the Saint-Joseph appellation, 10 km south of Tain l’Hermitage.
The Syrah is the only red grape variety of the vineyard. The vines are planted on steep hills on which we can only use manual work.
We work hard to ensure our harvests will be fully expressive of their terroir. We love wines that have personality but are still fine and elegant.”
Conclusion
Eric and Joel Durand Empreintes Cornas is an exceptional wine that truly showcases the quality and character of the Cornas appellation.
With its complex and layered flavor profile, elegant structure, and long, luxurious finish, it’s easy to see why this wine has gained such a dedicated following among wine enthusiasts and collectors.
Whether you’re a seasoned Syrah fan or just starting to explore the world of Rhône Valley wines, the Empreintes is definitely worth trying.
Its outstanding quality and reputation make it a great choice for special occasions, celebrations, or simply enjoying with a delicious meal.
Once you had it, we’d love to know your opinion, so reach out and let’s know what you think! Enjoy!
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Syrah/Shiraz.
Where does Syrah/Shiraz grow best?
Syrah/Shiraz gives its best in a moderate to cool climate, eg France: Rhône Valley. It is though as well cultivated in warm climates too, e.g. Australia.
When is the perfect time to drink Syrah/Shiraz?
If you have organized a BBQ or have been invited to one, Syrah/Shiraz is your best bet. It will complement perfectly with ribs, burgers, and any other braised or roasted meats.
What are the differences between Syrah vs Shiraz?
Syrah and Shiraz are two different names for the same grape that though produces different styles.
- Syrah is the name used in France and for the “Old World” wine style. It usually has higher acidity, higher tannins, herbaceous and earthy notes, moderate fruit components with tertiary smoke flavors.
- Shiraz is the name used in Australia and for the “New World” wine style. It usually is easier to drink with fewer tannins, higher in alcohol, intense black fruit aromas, with tertiary spice (black pepper) flavors.
