Cote Rotie, Blonde du Seigneur, Domaine Georges Vernay

Producer Note

Georges Vernay is known as the "King of Condrieu" and was responsible for the growth and worldwide recognition of this small appellation during the 1950s. His estate covers 22 hectares of vineyards, six of which are in the Côte Rôtie appellation. The steep and uneven vineyards make mechanical labour impossible. The vines are manually cultivated without the use of residual herbicide or insecticide. Georges' daughter, Christine, returned to her roots with Paul Anselem, her Parisian husband, and has looked after the winemaking since 1997, gaining worldwide recognition for her Côte Rôtie wines.

Vineyard

Côte Rôtie is a prestigious red wine appellation at the northern tip of the Rhône Valley wine region, where the vineyards are situated on steep slopes (the Côtes). The three hectares of vineyard is located in the parish of Semons in the plot 'Coteau de Bassenon'; and in the parish of Ampuis, in the plots of 'Lancement' and 'Tupin'. The vineyards are situated on South facing granite terraces. Due to the steep slopes in the vineyards, these 30 year old vines are maintained manually, without the use of weed killers and all treatments use organic products. Planted on 3309 rootstocks, the vines are trained according to Cordon and simple Guyot training systems, the vines are planted at a density of 8,000 vines per hectare. Yields are 30 hectolitres per hectare.

Winemaking

The grapes were manually harvested at full maturity. They were then de-stemmed and fermented at controlled temperatures in vats with a long maceration of two to three weeks. The wine was matured in oak barrels for 18 months.

Tasting Note

A touch of Viognier in the blend adds floral nuances to the blackcurrant and spicy notes of the Syrah. Round with good structure and smooth, silky tannins, this wine has great finesse and a long, persistent finish.

Serving Suggestion

A lovely match for game dishes and mature cheese.

Grape

Syrah 97%, Viognier 3%