# Condrieu Coteau de Vernon (2021)

- **Producer:** Domaine Georges Vernay
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Viognier
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €129
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** honeysuckle, apricot, violet, peach, vanilla, biscuit, cloves, honey, dried apricot, almond

## About this wine

Domaine Georges Vernay's Condrieu Coteau de Vernon 2021 hails from the prestigious AOP Condrieu in the Northern Rhône. The estate has a deep historical connection to the region, with vines planted by Francis Vernay in the 1930s, making them the oldest in the appellation. Georges Vernay played a significant role in shaping the appellation and championing the Viognier grape. His daughter, Christine Vernay, now leads the domaine, continuing its legacy with a focus on organic and biodynamic practices. The Coteau de Vernon vineyard is recognized as the core of the appellation, yielding wines known for their individual character and notable capacity for aging.

## Interesting facts

- Vines are between 50-80 years old.
- Vineyard requires manual cultivation due to steep terraces.
- Production is limited to around 7,000 bottles annually.
- Considered the heart of the Condrieu appellation.

## Food pairing

The wine's richness and aromatic complexity complement dishes with similar depth. Its balanced acidity cuts through the richness of creamy sauces and fatty fish, while its texture harmonizes with the succulence of shellfish and poultry.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Condrieu Coteau de Vernon begins with the direct pressing of whole grape bunches. The resulting must undergoes static cold settling before fermentation, which is carried out in barrels using native yeasts. The wine is then aged for 15 months in large oak foudres (15 hl) and 10% new oak barrels. Following this, it matures for an additional 12 months on fine lees with regular stirring. The grapes are hand-harvested at maturity, and the vineyard is managed using organic and biodynamic farming practices.