Domaine Georges Vernay - Condrieu 'Terrasses de l'Empire' White 2022

Wine Region: Rhone - France

Grape: 100% Viognier. Organic farming.

Tasting notes: Extremely sought-after by great lovers of Rhone wines, this exceptional Condrieu offers a highly concentrated nose framed by inimitable aromas of white peach, candied citrus and bitter orange. On the palate, this same aromatic quality balances the wine towards lovely freshness and crazy deliciousness. An archetypal fruity wine and one of the best examples of its appellation!

Les Terrasses de l'Empire is made from 35-year-old Viognier vines, from several small parcels on the steep slopes of Condrieu. The grapes are hand-harvested at full maturity, then the whole crop is put in direct pressing. After static clarification, the fermentation of the clear juices happened in barrels and temperature-controlled wooden vats. The ageing is carried out in wooden vats, on fine lees and in barrels for 8 months.

How to Enjoy: Pair with Ceviche, poached lobster in butter sauce or even think outside the box and pair it with any kind of pâté.

About the winery: 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 16 hectares of vineyards, 3 of which are in the Côte Rôtie appellation. The steep and uneven vineyards make mechanical labour impossible. The vines are manually propagated 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.

More about Domaine Georges Vernay here…