Domaine Georges Vernay : Les Chaillées de l'Enfer 2024

Characteristics and tasting notes for the 2024 Condrieu "Les Chaillées de l'Enfer" from Domaine Georges Vernay

Tasting notes

Colour
Beautifully clear, the wine reveals a golden hue with amber highlights.

Nose
Wonderfully complex, the nose opens with aromas of stone fruit (apricot, white peach) and exotic fruit (mango, pineapple). It then reveals subtle notes of citrus, white flowers and violet, along with herbaceous and spicy touches (ginger, saffron, white pepper), underscored by a delicate iodised minerality.

Palate
Sleek and elegant, the palate offers lovely tension thanks to perfectly preserved acidity. Vibrant and generous, it unfurls fruity, textured flavours before stretching into a long, persistent and deeply mineral finish.

Food and wine pairing

This white wine pairs beautifully with roasted noble fish (turbot, monkfish), shellfish or delicately spiced dishes such as a seafood tajine. It will also surprise alongside pan-seared foie gras with apricots, light white meats or Mediterranean specialities such as pissaladière.

Service and storage

The 2024 "Les Chaillées de l'Enfer" cuvée can be enjoyed in its youth for its vibrant fruit character, but also boasts remarkable ageing potential, allowing it to develop in the cellar for many years to come.

Other characteristics

This dry white wine has an alcohol content of 14%.

The mineral expression of a great white wine from Condrieu

The estate

Founded in 1940 by Francis Vernay, Domaine Georges Vernay is a true institution of the Rhône Valley. Historically celebrated for having saved the Condrieu appellation from disappearing thanks to the efforts of Georges Vernay, the estate now spans 24 hectares. Currently led by Christine Vernay, representing the third generation, alongside her daughter Emma Amsellem, the estate stands out for its technical excellence and environmental commitment. Certified organic, the vineyard is entirely managed according to biodynamic principles, producing wines of exceptional quality that have won widespread critical acclaim.

The vineyard

The cuvée comes from historic plots located in the heart of the Condrieu appellation. These vines, averaging over 50 years of age, are planted on steep slopes and narrow terraces supported by dry-stone walls. The terroir consists of granitic soils, sandy silica and mica schist, threaded with microfaults that promote excellent drainage and give the wine its signature minerality. Due to the steep gradient, all vineyard work and harvesting are carried out by hand.

Winemaking and ageing

For the 2024 "Les Chaillées de l'Enfer" cuvée, whole bunches harvested at full ripeness undergo direct pressing to preserve the delicacy of the juice. After static settling, fermentation takes place in 225-litre barrels over four to five weeks. Ageing then continues in these same barrels (25% new oak) for 12 to 18 months, with regular lees stirring. To preserve optimal freshness and tension, malolactic fermentation is deliberately blocked.

Grape variety

Viognier (100%).