Condrieu Terrasses de l'Empire Georges Vernay 2019

Lot presentation

Condrieu Terrasses de l'Empire Georges Vernay 2019

The wine

Produced from small parcels on the steep slopes of Condrieu, Viognier – one of the appellation's typical grapes – delivers its inimitable aromas of white peach and white flowers. Harvested by hand, it undergoes direct pressing. The clear juices are fermented after static settling in thermoregulated wooden vats and barrels, élevage in wooden vats on fine lees and in barrique barrels for 8 months: each of these stages plays its part in the production of this lithe, elegant, harmonious wine. Extremely fresh and well balanced, it delivers a superbly indulgent fruitiness. A lovely cuvée to be drunk within seven years.

“I liked the wines that came from the slopes, I found those from the plains very average”. These words of Georges Vernay sum up his contribution to Condrieu. Thanks to Georges, the abandoned, steep slopes here were given new life in the 1960s. In fact, this determined man had the genius intuition to cultivate vines on the “chaillées”, or terraces, aptly known as the “chaillées de l'enfer” (terraces from hell)! The history of this property goes back to 1938 when Francis Vernay planted his first hectare of Viognier. Georges Vernay joined in 1943 and expanded the estate by buying some parcels. He opened a tasting room that earned him a loyal English customer base. From 1943 to 2010, the estate went from 1 to 24 hectares, 17 of which are located on steep slopes. The vines are spread across three appellations: Condrieu (10ha), Côte-Rôtie (6ha) and Saint-Joseph (2ha), with 2 IGP wine made from Syrah and Viognier (6ha). Since his death in 2017, it has been his daughter Christine who has kept the family tradition alive alongside her daughter, Emma.