Domaine Georges Vernay : Maison Rouge 2022

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Côte-Rôtie "Maison Rouge" 2022 from Domaine Georges Vernay

Tasting

Colour
With a beautiful opaque density, this wine reveals a deep purple and ruby hue, illuminated by violet highlights.

Nose
The bouquet opens with aromas of fresh fruit such as red berries and blackberry, underscored by white pepper and delicate floral touches of violet and rose. On aeration, it reveals great complexity with notes of oriental spices, black pepper, smoked bacon, a spice box, and a graphite-like minerality.

Palate
The palate offers a voluptuous texture and silky tannins. The refined acidity brings freshness, while blood-like and gamey notes enrich the aromatic palette. The finish is remarkably long and persistent.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs wonderfully with characterful meats and dishes in sauce. It will elevate a braised shoulder of beef, grilled lamb chops, game such as venison with grand veneur sauce, or refined dishes based on truffles.

Service and storage

With great ageing potential, this Côte-Rôtie "Maison Rouge" 2022 can be enjoyed until at least 2042.

The elegance and complexity of a great Côte-Rôtie wine

The estate

Founded in 1938 by Francis Vernay, Domaine Georges Vernay is an iconic figure of the Rhône Valley. Historically renowned for having saved the Condrieu appellation from disappearance thanks to the tireless work of Georges Vernay, the estate now spans 24 hectares. The property is currently co-managed by Christine Vernay, her husband Paul Amsellem, and their daughter Emma Amsellem, who represents the fourth generation. Certified organic and later biodynamic, the estate continues a philosophy that respects the terroir, producing wines of world-renowned quality.

The vineyard

The cuvée comes from a plot of around one hectare located on the Côte Blonde, in the southern part of the Côte-Rôtie appellation. This exceptional terroir, made up of granitic and sandy soils, stands out for its steep slopes arranged in terraces. The vines, extremely old, are between 90 and over 100 years old. The vineyard is cultivated according to biodynamic principles, with massale selection and manual harvesting in small crates to preserve the integrity and quality of the berries.

Winemaking and ageing

After a meticulous manual sorting, the grapes for the Côte-Rôtie "Maison Rouge" 2022 are 70% destemmed, thus retaining 30% whole bunches. Maceration lasts three to four weeks in open vats and barrels, with gentle punching down and pumping over for a soft extraction. The wine is then aged for 24 months in French oak barrels, 10% of which are new, allowing the natural expression of the fruit and terroir to be preserved.

Grape variety

Syrah (100%).