Domaine Georges Vernay : Les Terrasses de l'Empire 2024

Characteristics and tasting notes for the "Les Terrasses de l'Empire" 2024 Domaine Georges Vernay

Tasting notes

Colour
This white wine produced in France reveals a beautiful, luminous colour.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet opens with delicate scents of white peach, almond and apricot kernel. Subtle floral touches of honeysuckle blend harmoniously with hints of citrus, melon and persimmon.

Palate
The palate offers a superb balance between richness and mineral freshness. With vibrant energy and a moderate body, the palate reveals light notes of bitterness and a touch of buttercream, extending into a long, complex and remarkably refined finish.

Food and wine pairing

Ideal for starting a meal as an aperitif, this wine pairs wonderfully with raw fish such as sushi, smoked salmon or delicate shellfish. It also enhances fine poultry, mature goat cheeses as well as richer dishes such as foie gras or a chocolate dessert.

Service and storage

The "Les Terrasses de l'Empire" 2024 will reveal its full potential from 2026. It will reach its peak around 2030 and can be cellared until approximately 2036.

Other characteristics

This wine has an alcohol content of 13.5%.

The pure and mineral expression of a great Condrieu white wine

The estate

Founded in 1937 by Francis Vernay, Domaine Georges Vernay is located in the northern Rhône Valley, in France. Historically recognised for having saved the local grape variety from extinction under the guidance of Georges Vernay, this 24-hectare vineyard is now run by his daughter, Christine Vernay, alongside her husband Paul Amsellem. A pioneer who has received the highest critical acclaim, the current owner has elevated the estate to the pinnacle of global recognition by establishing an environmentally respectful philosophy, with all the land certified in biodynamic farming.

The vineyard

The grapes come from the lieux-dits "La Caille" and "Sainte-Agathe", ideally situated in the heart of the village of Condrieu. With an average age of 35 years, the vines thrive on steep hillsides where any mechanisation is impossible. The terroir is composed mainly of granitic soils rich in mica and schist, giving the wine its characteristic minerality.

The vintage

The year was marked by generally cooler and wetter weather in the region. These particular climatic conditions helped preserve very good natural acidity during the growing cycle, resulting in berries of great freshness and remarkable balance.

Winemaking and aging

The harvest is carried out by hand using small crates. To maximise aromatic complexity, the whole bunches are gently pressed. Fermentation is then triggered using indigenous yeasts. The "Les Terrasses de l'Empire" 2024 is aged for 10 months, split between large 20-hectolitre conical oak vats and older barrels, with a small proportion of new oak, thus preserving the purity of the fruit.

Grape variety

100% Viognier.