Domaine Georges Vernay : Maison Rouge 2021

The power and refinement of a great red wine from the Rhône Valley

The property
Located in the heart of the iconic Condrieu appellation in the Rhône Valley, the Domaine Georges Vernay has been writing 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, which was then on the verge 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, in 1996. Christine Vernay passionately and energetically strives to produce high-quality wines that authentically express this exceptional 24-hectare terroir, including 17 very steep hectares.

Originating exceptional Condrieu white wines, Christine Vernay, an outstanding winemaker, also produces magnificent red wines that magnify 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 and 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 harvested manually 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 2021 Maison Rouge from Delas

Tasting

Nose
Ample, the nose combines fragrances of black fruits, spices, licorice, cigar box, chocolate, and black pepper.

Palate
Combining structure and balance, the palate is seduced by its delicate tannic structure and silky touch.

Cellaring
Already pleasant to taste, the 2020 Maison Rouge from Domaine Georges Vernay has excellent cellaring potential, able to evolve harmoniously in the cellar until around 2040.