Georges Vernay Condrieu Les Terrasses de L’Empire 2016

Drink now through to 2026. Serve chilled.

Producer Georges Vernay has a stellar reputation in the French winemaking world for the estate’s role in preserving the Condrieu appellation. For thirty years Georges served as President of the Condrieu growers’ association and fought to convince anyone that would listen of the quality and potential of the region's wines. Today the estate is in the hands of his daughter, Christine Vernay, who is the third generation of the family to make wine on this land.

This classic Condrieu takes its name from the “Les Terrasses de L’Empire” or “Terraces of the Empire” vineyard which Georges planted over 50 years ago. The 5 hectares of mature Viognier vines here are planted on rugged granite and schist soils and have to be worked manually due to the challenging terrain. After the manual harvest of the grapes, Christine ferments the grape must in used oak barrels to give a well-rounded texture and nutty hints to the wine.

The result is a refined, serious Condrieu that exudes ripe peaches, crisp pears, white flowers and vanila, while the first sip reveals hints of honey, mint and a touch of salinity on the finish. This is an ideal choice to drink alongside hard cheeses or creamy chicken dishes, and it will also continue to develop and evolve if cellared for 5 to 7 years more.