2020, Domaine Georges Vernay ‚Maison Rouge‚ Cote Rotie

Elegant and perfumed, showing concentrated black olive, eucalyptus, and lavender over pure red fruits ‚¬” powerful yet refined, with silky tannins and a long, layered finish.

About the Winery: Known as the ‚¬œKing of Condrieu,‚¬ Georges Vernay was instrumental in reviving and elevating the Condrieu appellation in the 1950s. Today, the domaine spans 22 hectares, including six in Cote Rotie, where steep, terraced vineyards are worked entirely by hand without herbicides or insecticides. Since 1997, Georges daughter Christine Vernay, alongside her husband Paul Anselem, has carried the legacy forward. Under Christineof direction, Vernayof wines have achieved international acclaim for their balance and precision. In 2019, *La Revue du Vin de France* awarded Domaine Georges Vernay its prestigious three-star rating, cementing its place among Franceof elite producers.

Vineyard: The *Maison Rouge* vineyard takes its name from a small red house located at the foot of this exceptionally steep *lieu-dit* in the southern part of Cote Rotie. The two-hectare plot sits on sandy, granite-based terraces that deliver finesse and minerality. The vines, averaging 50 years of age, are trained using the *Guyot simple* method and planted at a density of 10,000 vines per hectare. All work is manual due to the slopeof gradient, and the vineyard is organically farmed without weedkillers or synthetic chemicals. Certified organic, the vineyard practices reflect Vernayof deep respect for its terroir.

Winemaking: Grapes were 100% destemmed and fermented in open oak vats for three to four weeks to extract colour, aroma, and structure. The wine was then matured for 24 months in French oak barrels, 30% of which were new, achieving a seamless balance of fruit and oak. No fining or filtration was performed before bottling to preserve texture and authenticity.

Appearance: Deep garnet red with purple reflections and brilliant clarity.

Aroma: Intensely perfumed with black olive, eucalyptus, and lavender, supported by pure red fruit and subtle spice.

Palate: Powerful yet refined, combining deep red fruit and spice with silky, smooth tannins and toasted notes on the long, persistent finish.

Body: Full-bodied, structured, and elegant.

Acidity: Balanced and vibrant, enhancing freshness and poise.

Cellaring Potential: Enjoy now for its purity or cellar for 15‚20 years to develop notes of truffle, forest floor, and leather.

Perfect Pairing: Ideal with roast duck, venison, or aubergine gratin with Provena§al herbs; also pairs beautifully with wild mushroom dishes.

Serving Temperature: Serve at 16‚17°C to highlight aromatic complexity and silky texture.

Contains sulphites. Information correct to the best of our knowledge at time of publication and subject to change according to vintage.