# Côte-Rôtie Maison Rouge (2018)

- **Producer:** Domaine Georges Vernay
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €109
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, black plum, blackcurrant, liquorice, cedar, cloves, chocolate, vanilla, smoke, leather, tobacco, mushroom, forest floor, earth

## About this wine

Domaine Georges Vernay's Côte-Rôtie Maison Rouge is a distinguished red wine from the Northern Rhône, France, crafted exclusively from 100% Syrah. The grapes are sourced from the historic Maison Rouge vineyard, known for its steep granite slopes and exceptionally old vines, some dating back nearly a century. This cuvée is a testament to the Vernay family's winemaking legacy, with Christine Vernay playing a pivotal role in its revival and continued vinification since 1997. The estate is committed to organic and biodynamic farming practices, emphasizing low intervention to express the unique terroir of Côte-Rôtie.

## Interesting facts

- Maison Rouge is a legendary parcel for the Vernay family.
- Vines in Maison Rouge are at least 90 years old.
- Christine Vernay revived this cuvée in 1997.
- Estate is certified organic since 2019.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and assertive yet silky tannins are well-suited to complement the richness and protein in red meats, preventing the palate from feeling overwhelmed. Its complex aromatic profile can echo or contrast with herbs and spices in dishes, while its vibrant acidity cuts through fattier components, cleansing the palate.

## Wine making process

The production of Domaine Georges Vernay's Côte-Rôtie Maison Rouge involves meticulous vineyard management and winemaking techniques. Grapes are hand-harvested, and 70% are destemmed before fermentation in wooden vats and open barrels. A long maceration period of three to four weeks is employed to extract color and tannins. The wine then undergoes aging for up to 24 months in French oak barrels, with 30% being new oak. Micro-vinification techniques are utilized throughout the process.