Domaine Georges Vernay - Cote Rotie 'Blonde du Seigneur' Red 2021 Magnum

Grape

Syrah, Viognier

Tasting notes

The ‘Blonde du Seigneur’ is a contrast to the ‘Maison Rouge’ and highlights the violet perfumed and more elegant side of Côte-Rôtie. The average age of the vines is 30 years old. For the winemaking, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel vats to preserve the delicate fruit aromas. They blend in 8% Viognier which is what gives the wine a sense of softness. Then, the wine is aged for a minimum of 18 months in barrel of which 25% of the barrels are new. Annual production is approximately 15,000 bottles per year.

More About The Winery

Perched on the steep granite terraces of Condrieu, Domaine Georges Vernay is the undisputed reference for Viognier and one of the greatest domaines in all of France. Founded in 1937 and now led by Christine Vernay, the estate has transformed from saving Viognier from extinction to producing some of the most sought-after white wines in the world.

The domaine’s three Condrieu cuvées — Les Terrasses de l’Empire, Les Chaillées de l’Enfer, and Côteau de Vernon — are benchmark expressions of Viognier: precise, complex, and age-worthy, far removed from the plump examples found elsewhere. Tiny yields, old vines, and minimal intervention define the style, producing wines of extraordinary finesse, depth, and minerality.

Beyond Condrieu, Domaine Vernay also crafts outstanding Côte-Rôtie reds — Blonde du Seigneur and Maison Rouge — regarded among the finest of the appellation. More accessible bottlings, such as the Viognier Le Pied de Samson and Syrah Georges Vernay, showcase the domaine’s craftsmanship at superb value.

Internationally acclaimed, Christine Vernay was named “Wine Person of the Year 2012” by Bettane & Desseauve, elevating the domaine to the prestigious 5-star rating alongside legends like DRC, Château Latour, and Château d’Yquem. Remarkably, Vernay remains one of the few family-owned domaines in this elite circle.