Domaine Georges Vernay : Maison Rouge 2020

A superb red wine from the Rhône Valley by Domaine Georges Vernay

The estate
Located in the heart of the iconic Condrieu appellation in the Rhône Valley, the Domaine Georges Vernay has been crafting its history since 1938, when Francis Vernay planted the first hectare of viognier within the appellation. His son, Georges Vernay, established himself in the 1960s as a pioneer by replanting viognier, then on the brink of extinction in the Condrieu appellation, in very steep areas with slopes inclined at more than 45°. Georges Vernay, who passed away in 2017, handed over the reins of the estate to his daughter, Christine, a former French teacher, as early as 1996. Christine Vernay passionately and energetically strives to produce high-quality wines that authentically express this exceptional 24-hectare terroir, 17 hectares of which are very steep.

Creator of exceptional Condrieu white wines, Christine Vernay, an outstanding winemaker, also produces magnificent red wines that enhance the syrah: La Maison Rouge and La Blonde du Seigneur in the Côte-Rôtie appellation and La Dame Brune in the Saint-Joseph appellation. In 2020, the estate received 3 stars from the Green Guide of the Revue du Vin de France as well as its Organic Agriculture certification.

The vineyard
La Maison Rouge from Domaine Georges Vernay is a Côte-Rôtie wine made from old vines averaging 50 years old. In this very steep wine-growing area, the vines are grown organically and maintained manually.

Vinification and aging
The fully ripe grapes are hand-picked and then vinified in wooden vats and open barrels. The maceration lasts from 3 to 4 weeks. The aging is carried out in barrels (30% new wood) for 24 months.

Blend
100% syrah.

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Maison Rouge 2020 from Delas

Tasting
Coming from old vines, La Maison Rouge is one of the emblematic cuvées of the estate, on par with the Condrieu Vernon. Rich and complex, it unfolds a bouquet mixing black fruits, spices, smoky notes, licorice, cigar box, chocolate and black pepper. On the palate, its balanced structure, fine tannins and silky texture combine power and refinement.

Storage
Already pleasant to taste, the Maison Rouge 2020 from Domaine Georges Vernay has excellent aging potential, and can evolve harmoniously in the cellar until around 2040.