Domaine Georges Vernay : Coteau de Vernon 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Coteau de Vernon 2023

Tasting notes

Colour
This white wine reveals a beautiful golden hue, sometimes with subtle amber highlights, reflecting its youth and careful winemaking.

Nose
Wonderfully complex, the bouquet opens with aromas of stone fruits such as peach and apricot, underscored by notes of lemon zest and fresh citrus. With aeration, delicate hints of pastry, fresh herbs, and floral scents of honeysuckle and elderflower emerge with elegance.

Palate
The palate offers a slightly viscous, rich texture while retaining remarkable finesse. There is a perfect balance between the generosity of yellow and tropical fruits and a mineral, saline backbone of great freshness. The finely nuanced finish lingers on mineral notes with a subtle touch of oak.

Food and wine pairing
This great white wine pairs wonderfully with noble seafood such as lobster, crayfish, or pan-seared scallops. It will also enhance white meats or game served with a creamy truffle sauce, aromatic Asian dishes, and well-aged hard cheeses.

Service and storage
For optimal enjoyment, this wine should be served at around 15°C, after being decanted for one to two hours. This vintage will reveal its full potential over time and can be enjoyed until around 2038.

The elegance and minerality of a great Condrieu white wine

The estate
Founded in 1936 by Francis Vernay, Domaine Georges Vernay is a true institution of the Rhône Valley. Historically renowned for having saved its appellation from disappearing in the mid-twentieth century, the estate now spans 24 hectares of vines. Since 1996, Christine Vernay has led the property with a philosophy centered on excellence and respect for the terroir. In 2020, she was joined by her daughter Emma Amsellem, marking the fourth generation to head this legendary vineyard, which is certified organic.

The vineyard
Located in the heart of the Condrieu appellation, this legendary terroir of less than one hectare stands out for its extremely steep, terraced slopes. Facing southeast, the vines, aged between fifty and eighty years old, thrive on soils composed of fine granite, mica, and schist. Due to the verticality of the landscape, all vineyard work is carried out entirely by hand, in strict accordance with organic farming practices.

The vintage
2023 proved particularly challenging for winemakers in the region. Despite sometimes unpredictable weather conditions that were complex to manage in certain areas, the growing cycle allowed for a harvest of healthy grapes, resulting in an overall fresh and dynamic profile.

Winemaking and aging
The grapes are hand-harvested in small crates before undergoing whole-bunch pressing. After a twenty-four-hour cold settling period, fermentation begins naturally with indigenous yeasts. The Coteau de Vernon 2023 is then aged for approximately fifteen months in oak foudres and barrels (10% new oak), with regular lees stirring on fine lees to add complexity.

Grape variety
Viognier (100%).