Condrieu Coteau de Vernon, 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

Two hectares of south to south-east facing vineyards on granite terraces in the heart of the appellation. The average age of vines is between 50 and 80 years old. The vines are trained according to the Guyot simple method, with a planting density of 8000 to 10000 vines per hectare.

Winemaking

Immediate pressing of the grapes, fermentation of the clear juice in barrels after static temperature controlled must settling. Matured in oak barrels (25% new) on fine lees for 12 months with regular stirring of the lees.

Tasting Note

The wine is delicate yet powerful with a flavour dried apricots and spice; elegantly structured with complementing oak flavours through to a long and lingering finish.

Serving Suggestion

At room temperature to accompany game and mature cheese.

Grape

Viognier 100%