Domaine Georges Vernay Les Chaillées de l'Enfer Condrieu 2017
Domaine Georges Vernay Les Chaillées de l'Enfer Condrieu is a succulent wine with a full flavour, retaining the dried apricot and fresh ginger characters typical of a fine Viognier. The term "Chaillées" comes from regional dialect meaning 'rocky' and refers to the dry stone walls that form the terraces of this plot. In the past, those who came across the plot would often be heard to say "On est à l'Enfer" which translates as 'we are in Hell', due to the intense heat endured on these south facing plots. The vineyard is situated in the heart of Condrieu and comprises two hectares of south facing biotite, granite terraces. The Viognier grapes were all manually harvested at full maturity and then meticulously sorted and pressed. After a static temperature controlled must settling, the clear juice was fermented in 225 litre barriques, lasting approximately four to five weeks. The wine was matured on its fine lees in oak barrels of which 25% were new, for 12 months, with regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) which imparted complexity and volume to the resulting wine. This Condrieu displays all the hallmarks of a very fine Viognier. Complex stone fruit characters of fresh peach and apricot combine with nuances of exotic fruit, mineral notes and a delicate saline note.
