Domaine Georges Vernay : Les Terrasses de l'Empire 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Les Terrasses de l'Empire 2023 by Domaine Georges Vernay

Tasting

Colour
This wine reveals a delicate pale gold colour.

Nose
Complex and seductive, the bouquet exudes aromas of white and stone fruit such as peach and fresh apricot. It then opens onto subtle floral notes of acacia, jasmine and honeysuckle, enhanced by a touch of citrus, almond and apricot kernel.

Palate
Full-bodied and unctuous, the attack offers a round, generous texture, perfectly balanced by a lovely acidity. The fruitiness perceived on the nose is confirmed on the palate, leading to a crisp, tangy and persistent finish, marked by a pleasant minerality.

Food and wine pairing
This white wine pairs beautifully with white-fleshed fish such as turbot or sole, served with light cream sauces. It also enhances seafood, shellfish, as well as regional dishes such as quenelles or crayfish.

Service and storage
For optimal enjoyment, it is recommended to serve Les Terrasses de l'Empire 2023 at a temperature between 10 and 12°C. This wine can be enjoyed now or cellared until 2030.

Other characteristics
This wine has an alcohol content of 14%.

The elegance and aromatic complexity of a Condrieu white wine

The estate
Officially founded in 1940 by Francis Vernay, Domaine Georges Vernay is an iconic figure of the northern Rhône Valley. Spanning a 24-hectare vineyard, the estate has distinguished itself in safeguarding its historic appellation. Today, operational management is led by Christine Vernay, joined in 2020 by her daughter Emma Amsellem, representing the third and fourth generations. Domaine Georges Vernay stands out for its full commitment to organic farming and biodynamics, cultivating its vines on steep slopes that require entirely manual work.

The vineyard
This cuvée comes from a selection of small terraced plots located on the steep slopes of Condrieu. Facing southeast, these vines, with an average age of over 35 years, thrive on highly draining soils composed of biotite granite, sandy silica and mica schist. As the rugged topography makes any mechanisation impossible, the entire vineyard is worked by hand, in strict accordance with the principles of biodynamics.

Winemaking and aging
The production of the Les Terrasses de l'Empire 2023 cuvée begins with direct pressing of whole clusters to preserve the delicacy of the aromas. After a cold static settling, fermentation takes place in 20-hectolitre conical wooden vats. The wine then continues its aging on fine lees for ten months, split between these same vats and used oak barrels, allowing its structure to be refined.

Grape variety
100% Viognier