Domaine Georges Vernay : Terres d'Encre 2021

Tasting characteristics and advice for Terres d'Encre 2021 from Domaine Georges Vernay

Tasting

Color

The color reveals a deep ruby-red hue with intense purplish highlights, reflecting the wine’s concentration and the grapes’ ripeness.

Nose

The nose shows fine aromatic complexity, with notes of black fruits (blackberry, blackcurrant, black cherry) accompanied by a pronounced spicy character marked by black pepper and licorice. Floral touches of violet mingle with mineral and earthy nuances that reflect the granitic terroir.

Palate

The attack is straightforward and fresh, with lively energy carried by red-fruit notes. The mid-palate reveals volume and depth, with an elegant tannic structure and clearly present spicy notes. Minerality brings precision and drive to the whole. The finish lingers with persistent aromas of spice and minerality.

Food and wine pairing

Terres d'Encre 2021 is an ideal match for rabbit with olives, lasagna Bolognese, or a cumin lentil salad. It also pairs beautifully with barbecue-sauce pork ribs, game meats, or a selection of aged cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to decant Terres d'Encre 2021 about one hour before serving and to serve it at a temperature between 15 and 18°C. This wine can be enjoyed now and through around 2031.

A Saint-Joseph combining refinement and precision

The estate

Founded in 1938 by Francis Vernay, Domaine Georges Vernay now spans 24 hectares in the Northern Rhône Valley. Under Georges Vernay’s leadership, the estate saved the viognier grape from extinction, earning him the nickname “Monsieur Viognier.” Since 1996, Christine Vernay has run the estate with her daughter Emma Amsellem, the fourth generation to join in 2020. The estate has been certified organic since 2020 and is continuing its transition toward biodynamics. Recognized as one of the greatest estates in the Rhône Valley, it produces exceptional wines that precisely express their granitic terroirs.

The vineyard

Terres d'Encre comes from 1.5 hectares of vines located in Chavanay, in the northern part of the Saint-Joseph appellation. The vineyard benefits from a south to south-southeast exposure on granitic soils laid out in steep terraces. The vines, around 30 years old, are farmed according to organic principles at a density of 7,000 vines per hectare. Royat cordon training and the steep slopes require entirely manual work. The grapes are harvested by hand at full ripeness and transported in small crates.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage proved particularly challenging in the Rhône Valley due to devastating frosts in April, destroying around 30% of the national harvest. Despite these complex and unpredictable weather conditions, white wines performed especially well that year, showing clearly defined saline expressions. Red wines, though more constrained by the vintage’s challenges, nonetheless reflect the estate’s expertise.

Vinification and aging

After complete destemming, the Terres d'Encre 2021 grapes are vinified in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks with maceration lasting two to three weeks. Gentle manual punch-downs and pump-overs are carried out selectively according to the wine’s organoleptic development. Aging takes place for about a year in barrels with no new oak, allowing for gentle maturation and harmonious integration without masking the expression of the terroir.

Grape variety

100% syrah