Domaine Georges Vernay, Côte-Rôtie Maison Rouge 2012

From vines planted in 1928. The first vineyard in red grapes purchased by Georges Vernay on the South of the appellation. Less than 1 hectare on granitic ground at the place known as Maison Rouge. Harvest at full maturity with samll cases. Long fermentation for 3 weeks in thermoregulated vats after de-stemming. Maturing in open top barriques for 2 years, 30% new.

Condrieu remains a rarity that was well publicized by the late Fernand Point, the ever memorable Chef of the 3-stars Michelin La Pyramide restaurant in the town of Vienne, France. Condrieu possesses a fantastic combination of powerful fullness and delicacy with a spicy earthiness. Georges Vernay once wrote “The Viognier is a difficult vine, full of caprice and never wholly predictable”. Christine Vernay is as talented as her father. Her syrahs under the label of Côtes-du-Rhône, Saint-Joseph and Côte-Rotie are tremendously powerful without excess, rich and flavorful, aromatic and spicy. The only problem is that their production is small, but to share a bottle of Georges Vernay Estate is a privilege.