Domaine Georges Vernay : Coteau de Vernon 2022

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Coteau de Vernon 2022 Domaine Georges Vernay

Tasting notes

Color
A brilliant pale gold hue with shimmering highlights appears in the glass, reflecting the great vitality and purity of this white wine.

Nose
Remarkably poetic and refined, the aromatic bouquet opens with delicate floral notes (lilac, honeysuckle, lavender) intertwined with yellow fruit aromas (peach, apricot) and fresh citrus notes such as yuzu. Subtle hints of menthol, sweet spices, and acacia honey round out this impressive olfactory complexity.

Palate
The attack is seductive, revealing a texture that is at once unctuous, full-bodied, and airy. The palate offers beautiful density supported by mineral acidity and a refreshing tension. Fruity flavors intertwine with luscious notes of caramelized almond, extending the tasting experience into a long, complex, and mouth-watering finish.

Food and wine pairing

This great white wine enhances refined dishes such as lobster roasted in butter, poultry in a creamy mushroom sauce, or noble fish served with a beurre blanc. It also pairs wonderfully with delicate vegetable-based dishes such as asparagus or artichoke.

Service and storage

For optimal enjoyment, this wine is best served between 12 and 14°C. Decanting is recommended in its youth to fully release its complexity. It can be enjoyed from 2025 and will continue to evolve beautifully, with a drinking window extending to around 2037.

Other characteristics

This wine has an alcohol content of 14.5%.

The masterful expression of a great white wine from Condrieu

The estate

Founded in 1938 by Francis Vernay, Domaine Georges Vernay is a true institution located in the northern Rhône Valley. Historically recognized for having saved the Condrieu appellation and the Viognier grape variety from extinction thanks to the vision of Georges Vernay, the estate now spans 24 hectares. Currently led by Christine Vernay, joined by her daughter Emma Amsellem, the family property continues to uphold values of excellence and respect for nature. Fully certified organic and committed to biodynamic farming, this world-renowned estate produces wines of rare authenticity.

The vineyard

The historic heart of the appellation, the Coteau de Vernon terroir spans approximately 2.5 hectares. The vines, grown from a rigorous massale selection, are planted on extremely steep terraces, locally known as "gores," facing south and southeast. This dramatic terrain, which prevents any mechanization, requires entirely manual vineyard work. The soils, composed of biotite granite, give the grapes an exceptional saline minerality and a unique identity.

The vintage

2022 was marked by demanding climatic conditions, with particularly high temperatures. In response to this heat, meticulous attention was paid during the harvest, which was spread out over time to adapt to the progressing ripeness of each plot. The main objective was to preserve the freshness and integrity of the berries rather than seeking excessive sugar concentration.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes are hand-harvested in small crates at optimal ripeness. In the cellar, the approach is minimally interventionist. Direct whole-bunch pressing is followed by natural static settling, without mechanical filtration. Fermentation takes place entirely in oak barrels (25% new wood). Aging has been extended to 12 to 18 months in barrels on fine lees, with regular lees stirring, giving the wine remarkable complexity and integration of oak.

Grape variety

100% Viognier