2016 Georges Vernay Condrieu Les Chaillees De l'Enfer

Domaine Georges Vernay is a pioneer of the Condrieu appellation, and Georges himself is considered the region’s elder statesman. Georges, now in his 90s and retired, took over his father’s farm in 1953 and turned what had been a general farm into a domaine dedicated to grapes. Even as he was planting grapes, many of his neighbors were uprooting theirs. The terraced, hillside farmlands of Condrieu are difficult to work, and during the mid-20th century farming fell out of favor with the young. But Georges Vernay bought additional acreage, promoted the appellation and promoted his wines. He became president of the local growers’ association and by the late 1970s Condrieu was once again an appellation of note. Georges retired in 1996 turning his estate over to his daughter Christine and her husband Paul Amsellem. The 55-acre estate is farmed organically and grows Viognier and Syrah. Although the Condrieu appellation is known for its white wines, Domaine Georges Vernay also produces red wines that impress reviewers.

The Rhône Valley in southeast France follows the Rhône River for 125 miles and is home to some 170,000 vineyard acres. It is beloved by admirers of robust, fruit-filled, tannic red wines made from Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsualt. Though red wines predominate, the Rhône Valley also makes excellent fruity, full-bodied but dry white wines from Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne. Some of the justly famous wines from the Rhône Valley include Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Condrieu, Gigondas and Cornas. Rosé wines are also produced. Vineyards have been cultivated in this area since at least 600 B.C., and by the 13th century the wines of the region were being served to the Pope, who during the 13th century resided in nearby Avignon rather than in Rome. The prestige associated with the reds preferred by the Pope led to the name Châteauneuf-du-Pape, or the “new home of the pope.” The region is generally divided into north and south when discussing wine types, and there are many appellations within the valley. Along with Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne, Rhône wines are among France’s best known and most collected wines.