“The Golden Slope”

Glinting pale gold in the glass, this legendary Condrieu is as captivating as its birthplace, a steep, sunlit vineyard carved into the heart of the Rhône. The nose is voluptuous yet refined, with layers of peach, apricot, and candied citrus unfurling into whispers of vanilla, honeysuckle, and sweet spice. On the palate, it’s both silken and radiant with rich stone fruit and floral tones balanced by a vibrant, crystalline acidity. The oak is seamlessly woven, adding depth without weight, and the finish lingers long and precise, echoing with minerality and ripe fruit. It’s sensual, sculpted, and utterly unforgettable.

For when: the table’s candlelit and you’re in no hurry to reach dessert.
Pairs with: lobster, seared scallops, or roast chicken with morels.
If this wine were a fabric, it’d be silk with sunlight stitched through it.

Domaine Georges Vernay, the undisputed beacon of Condrieu, has shaped the modern history of the appellation. Founded in 1937, the estate was transformed under Georges Vernay, who almost single-handedly saved Viognier from extinction in the 20th century. Today, his daughter Christine Vernay continues that legacy with a philosophy rooted in precision, patience, and respect for the land.

The ‘Coteau de Vernon’ is the domaine’s flagship wine, sourced from a single, steeply terraced vineyard of granite and mica schist, where the old Viognier vines, some over 60 years of age, capture both power and purity. Fermented and aged in oak barrels with meticulous care, it is a Condrieu of extraordinary balance and longevity. The 2020 vintage, opulent yet refined, shows this vineyard at its transcendent best: a wine of grace, golden fruit, and enduring beauty.