Condrieu: Domaine Georges Vernay 'Les Chaillées de l'Enfer' 2022
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A premium Condrieu cuvée, 'Les Chaillées d'Enfer' was first produced in the 1992 vintage, using ultra ripe fruit from prime parcels of mature rootstock. It has the depth and weight to accompany seafood and poultry in cream-based sauces and will mature gracefully for at least a decade. Certified organic.
'Les Chaillées de l'Enfer' Condrieu from Domaine Georges Vernay is a richer, more unctuous offering than their 'Terrasses de l'Empire' bottling - it has more pronounced dried fruit aromas and almost tropical tastes. It has a 12 month élevage in small, French oak barrels (25% new) and is bottled in January, 15 months after the harvest.
| Style | White Wine, Sec, Full-bodied, Non Sparkling |
|---|---|
| Wine Region | Rhône, Condrieu |
| Grape Variety (Cépage) | Viognier |
| Food & Wine Matching | Chicken and Turkey, Seafood, White Fish |
| Viticulture | Organic |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Cellarage | This is a wine that illustrates Viognier's longevity and can be kept for a decade or more. |
| Vinification | Ultra-ripe grapes from .08 of a hectare of vines, dating from 1957, grown on 'La Caille' climat are hand-harvested and vinified in small oak barrels one quarter of which are new. It is bottled in January 15 months after the harvest. |
| Alcohol By Volume (%) | 14 |
Domaine Georges Vernay
The Vernay name is synonymous with quality Viognier. Christine Vernay's father Georges (1926-2017) was instrumental in keeping the Condrieu appellation from extinction in the 1960s when there were only 8 hectares left under vine! The Vernays have worked tirelessly to promote Viognier and are largely responsible for its current renaissance and newfound global popularity. Christine Vernay took over winemaking responsibilities here in 1997 and is assisted in the management of the estate by her husband Paul Amsellem. Today the Vernays farm 7.5 hecatres of vines at Condrieu, which puts them in the top 3 growers in volume terms (alongside Cuilleron & Guigal). Domaine Georges Vernay is widely regarded as being among the very best sources of Condrieu, they also produce an excellent Vin de Pays Viognier, from higher altitude vines called 'Le Pied de Samson' as well as an impressive range of red wines comprising a fruity Vin de Pays Syrah, Saint Joseph and Côte Rôtie.
"Domaine Georges Vernay is the flagship of Condrieu. Its vines were planted in the AOC in 1936, and it remained the only domaine in Condrieu for many years, until others finally started believing in Viognier. Today, third-generation vintner Christine Vernay runs the estate, crafting whites that are both opulent and pure. Her Côte-Rôties are equally impressive."
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator.
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