Presentation
The Domaine Georges Vernay, founded in 1937 by Francis Vernay in Condrieu, is an emblematic estate of the northern Rhône Valley. Pioneer in the plantation of Viognier on the Coteau de Vernon, Francis launched the first mythical cuvée «Coteau de Vernon». His son, Georges Vernay, took over the torch in 1953, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the Condrieu appellation and the Viognier grape variety, which earned him the title of «Pope of Condrieu». Since 1996, Christine Vernay, third generation, has been running the estate with passion, extending the vineyard to 24 hectares spread over the appellations Condrieu, Côte-Rôtie and Saint-Joseph. Under his direction, the estate has obtained certification in organic viticulture and applies the principles of biodynamics, producing wines recognized for their elegance and complexity.
Location
Single parcel located at the famed lieu-dit “Vernon”.
Terroir
High-density planting: 10,000 vines per hectare.
In the vineyard
The steep and rugged terrain prohibits any mechanization. Vineyard is naturally grassed and maintained manually using pickaxe and winch. Certified organic by Ecocert, the estate also practices biodynamics, with applications of Maria Thun cow manure compost and BD 500 & 501 preparations. Vines are pruned using the single Guyot method.
Harvest
Manual harvest at full ripeness, grapes collected in 20kg crates.
Winemaking
Whole-cluster direct pressing, cold static settling, and fermentation on fine lees.
Ageing
Aged 15 months in 15hl Stockinger foudres and barrels (10% new oak).
Varietal
Viognier : 100%
Specifications
Age of vines : 50 à 80 years old
Serving
Recommended temperature: 12–14 °C
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Tasting
Coteau de Vernon offers intense aromatic complexity and a remarkably harmonious balance. It is a truly great Condrieu, a pure expression of its iconic terroir. The wine stands out for its vibrant tension, saline persistence, and subtle reductive character, giving it depth and distinctiveness. Aromas of citrus peel and toasted notes emerge delicately on the nose. On the palate, it is more expressive: mouthwatering, textured, with a dynamic finish. Its balance promises excellent ageing potential.
Visual appearance
Brilliant golden hue with hints of green.
At nose
Citrus zest, light toast, floral lift, and a touch of reduction for complexity.
On the palate
Saline, vibrant, elegantly textured, with a lingering, mineral finish.
Food pairings
A versatile gastronomic white, Coteau de Vernon pairs beautifully with:
Duck tagine with apricots — the richness of the dish complements the wine’s fruit and spice.
Cream of asparagus soup — for a fresh and silky match.
Skate with brown butter — echoing the wine’s nuttiness and saline edge.
