2015 Condrieu, Coteau de Vernon, Domaine Georges Vernay
About Producer
The domaine was created in 1937 by Francis Vernay who launched in 1940 this cuvée Coteau de Vernon. In 1953, Georges Vernay took over from his father and became a leading figure in the revival of the Condrieu appellation by rolling out systematic replantations of the viognier grape on the hillsides overlooking River Rhône when most vineyards were in disrepair. In 1996 Christine Vernay decided to leave her Parisian teaching career and returned to the family estate to succeed her father. Under her watch the domaine has expanded its production in Condrieu and also in Côte Rôtie with outstanding single vineyard cuvées to become one of the finest producers in the Northern Rhône. This estate is one of the few in Condrieu to be certified organic.
Varietals
Viognier
About Appellation
Condrieu is a 220ha appellation located in the northern Rhône Valley, on the right bank of the river, at approximately 45km south of the city of Lyon. Here, viognier reigns supreme on the steep granite hillsides overlooking the Rhône. Viticulture in the area pre-existed the Roman conquest. Grubbed up around 92AD, the vineyards were replanted as from 280AD, and the wines were much appreciated at the Avignon papal court in the 14th century. Phylloxera, the Great Depression and the two world wars drastically reduced the vineyards to a mere dozen of hectares in the 1950s. It was thanks to the dogged determination of a small group of winemakers led by Georges Vernay that the appellation started its revival in the 1980s.
Tasting Notes
Fragrant nose of white and yellow stone fruits, candied citrus, baking spices, tobacco and acacia flowers, seamless mouthfeel with velvety texture, remarkable precision and amazing fruit purity, multilayered flavours of white peach, apricot, tangerine, saffron, ginger, hints of bitter almond and mint notes liberally laced with subtle mineral undertones, zesty acidity and vibrant freshness leading onto a long, racy finish. Often hailed as the greatest Condrieu, this is a sensational wine with majestic poise, aromatic complexity and lively energy, all tied together in faultless balance. It’s intense and powerful, yet more often than not whenever I taste this wine, I can’t help but be smitten by its vivacious drive and ebullient freshness. (02/2024)