“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.

The Coteau de Vernon is the very heart of the appellation and the estate itself. This example is the finest expression of the Viognier grape that is used exclusively in the production of this wine. It is made from vines between 50 and 80 years old planted on 2.5 ha of granitic soil terraces with a south-south-easterly exposure. The steepness of the vineyard makes mechanised techniques impossible: the grapes are harvested by hand. Treatments are developed using organic products. In the cellar, stemmed grapes are pressed directly, with static racking and fermentation in barrique barrels. The Condrieu is then matured in barrique barrels on fine lees for 12-18 months, with stirring. When drunk in its youth, it delivers great concentration and a subtle power which is revealed after several years of keeping. So look after it carefully!