Domaine Georges Vernay Condrieu Les Terrasses de l’Empire 2020 750ml

Starting with the 2020 Condrieu Les Terrasses De L’Empire, this is a rich, opulent Condrieu sourced from younger vines (which aren’t that young, averaging 30 years in age) and is vinified in wooded tanks and older Bordeaux barrels. Medium to full-bodied, balanced, and elegant, it has good acidity, classic peach, spice, and obvious minerality, and a great finish. A terrific Condrieu ideal for drinking over the coming 4-5 years, it’s also a great introduction to the style of this estate.

• Country: France
• Region: Rhone Valley
• Appellation: Condrieu
• Size: 750ml
• Color: White

Varietal

Viognier

Although primarily associated with the Rhone region of France, the precise origins of the Viognier grape variety are unknown, and the subject of much debate. However, these fine and delicate green skinned grapes are an important varietal for many of France’s most elegant white wines, and they are quickly beginning to spread around the New World, too, where wineries are discovering their unique qualities and unusual character. Viognier grapes are notoriously difficult to grow, due to the fact they are highly susceptible to mildew, but wineries persevere with them nonetheless, producing wines which are highly aromatic and have a great, fruit-forward character. Their delicate aroma suggests sweetness due to its flowery, sappy nature, but the wine itself generally very dry and crisp, and full of summery, light and refined qualities.