The George Vernay estate
A family and historic estate, emblematic of the contemporary history of viticulture in Condrieu. Here, since 1940, the generations follow one another and serve the land.
The domain
Domaine Georges-Vernay is renowned for its Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu wines. Christine Vernay, who has been in charge of the management of the Domaine and the winemaking for more than 25 years, succeeded in 1996 to her father (Georges Vernay, recognized for having saved the appellation and the Viognier grape variety) and to her grandfather (Francis Vernay ), at the origin of the creation of the Domain. The George Vernay estate released its first cuvée in 1940, which has since become legendary, the "Coteau du Vernon".
Christine Vernay
The 2020 Green Guide of the Revue du Vin de France awards Christine Vernay 3*, its highest distinction, for all of her cuvées. Christine Vernay has won her challenge to one day bring her reds to the same level of purity, delicacy and elegance as her whites.
On all of its white cuvées, the only grape variety used is Viognier while on its red cuvées, it is Syrah.
Condrieux / Cotes Roties
Each vintage comes from a different parcel in Condrieu and the Cotes-Rôti, and this is what makes each bottle unique. From one cuvée to another, the rate of sunshine, the altitude and even the composition of the soil vary; and this in spite of promiscuity. Each of the particularities of her plot, Christine accepts them. For more than 15 years, Mrs. Vernay has been cultivating her vines in organic farming and she is now embarking on Biodynamics with the help of her daughter Emma.
A new way to grow
Biodynamics is cultivation according to the rules of nature and not those of man. Biodynamics considers the Earth as a whole, as a living being that follows its own evolution. It now appears that this naturally aging organism is further weakened by certain human activities. It is now essential and urgent to implement methods to invigorate and care for soils, plants, animals and people. This is what motivates Christine and Emma, her daughter, every day. Plants live, they communicate and exchange with each other. Moreover, Christine told us herself: "It may be silly, but I have the impression that my vines are in better shape, that they are more radiant with life than those of my neighbors; that everything I do for them, they feel it and are reinforced by it.”
These are the words that we resonate with every day at Lambrusque.
The final word...
In addition, from one and the same grape variety, Madame Vernay transports us to the four corners of her appellations. Christine tries to make her wines as real as possible by considering herself only as the interpreter of the meaning; in this way, she allows her wine to be the best version of itself.