Condrieu Chaillees d’Enfer 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

The term "Chaillées" comes from regional dialect meaning 'rocky' and refers to the dry stone walls that form the terraces of this plot. In times gone by, those who came across the plot would often be heard to say "On est à l'Enfer" which translates as 'we are in Hell', due to the intense heat endured on these south facing plots! These are the origins of the so-called "Les Chaillées d'Enfer" or "The Terraces of Hell". The simple Guyot trained vines are over 50 years old and are cultivated organically with a planting density of between 8000 and 10000 vines per hectare in gneiss soils.

Winemaking

Direct pressing and fermentation of clear juice in 225 litre barriques after static must settling. Fermentation four to five weeks and maturation in cask for 12 months (25% new).

Tasting Note

A wine with a full flavour while retaining the fresh peach fruit and mineral characters typical of a fine Viognier. Very elegant and fine.

Serving Suggestion

At room temperature to accompany game and mature cheese.

Grape

Viognier 100%