Domaine Georges Vernay : Blonde du Seigneur 2022

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Côte-Rôtie "Blonde du Seigneur" 2022 Domaine Georges Vernay

Tasting

Colour
The colour reveals a dark and elegant hue, adorned with deep garnet and burgundy reflections.

Nose
The bouquet opens with a pronounced minerality reminiscent of flint, mingled with subtle smoky notes. It then reveals aromas of black fruits such as cherry, blackberry and plum, enriched with hints of black pepper, olive and herbs. The presence of Viognier brings a delicate floral dimension evoking violet and rose, complemented by nuances of cedar, cinnamon and licorice.

Palate
The palate offers a texture that is both full-bodied and free of harshness, supported by discreet, refined tannins. Lovely acidity brings tension and freshness, highlighting a mid-palate concentrated on black fruits. The finish, long and saline, extends the tasting experience in a particularly appetizing way.

Food and wine pairing

This wine pairs wonderfully with flavorful meats, such as a fine grilled beef cut or roast leg of lamb. It also elevates feathered or furred game, as well as mushroom-based sauced dishes, such as beef fillet with morels.

Service and storage

For an optimal tasting of the Côte-Rôtie "Blonde du Seigneur" 2022, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 15 and 18°C, taking care to open the bottle about an hour before serving. This wine can be enjoyed from 2025 and will continue to improve until around 2045.

The elegance and minerality of a great Côte-Rôtie wine

The estate

Founded in 1938 by Francis Vernay with a single hectare of vines, Domaine Georges Vernay is an emblematic figure of the Rhône Valley, located in Condrieu. Historically renowned for having saved the appellation and the Viognier grape variety from disappearance under the impetus of Georges Vernay, the estate now spans 24 hectares. Currently led by Christine Vernay, joined by her daughter Emma Amsellem, the estate carries on a family tradition of excellence. Deeply committed to environmental respect, the estate is certified organic and applies the principles of biodynamics.

The vineyard

The grapes for this cuvée come from plots located on the steep terroirs of the Côte-Rôtie appellation, notably the Coteaux de Semmons, Bassenon and young vines of Maison Rouge. Facing south and southeast, these vines grow on vertiginous slopes that prevent any mechanization. The soils, composed of granite with biotite mica inclusions and schist, give the wine its distinctive minerality. The vineyard, managed biodynamically, is composed mainly of vines averaging twenty-five years of age and is rooted in the winegrowing tradition of the Rhône Valley.

The vintage

The year 2022 was marked by strong climatic instability in Europe, with significant periods of drought throughout the growing cycle and during harvest. Despite these extreme conditions, the vines drew on their reserves to produce grapes of exceptional quality, favoring a profile centered on freshness and minerality.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Côte-Rôtie "Blonde du Seigneur" 2022 are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness. The winemaking is distinguished by a co-fermentation of the grape varieties in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with the inclusion of about 10% whole clusters. A maceration of two to four weeks is accompanied by regular punching down and pumping over. Finally, the wine benefits from eighteen months of aging in wooden vessels.

Grape varieties

Syrah (95%), Viognier (5%).