Côte Rotie Blonde Du Seigneur Domaine Georges Vernay Côte Rotie, 2022

Côte-Rôtie Blonde du Seigneur 2022 from Domaine Georges Vernay is a refined and expressive Northern Rhône red that beautifully marries Syrah’s structure with the lift and perfume of Viognier. Sourced from steep, terraced vineyards in the Côte-Rôtie appellation, this wine captures the elegance and aromatic intensity that have made the estate a benchmark in the region. Its name, “Blonde du Seigneur,” nods to the famed Côte Blonde slopes, historically celebrated for producing some of the most graceful and seductive Côte-Rôties.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 Blonde du Seigneur shows a deep ruby to garnet hue with violet highlights that hint at its youth and vibrancy. The nose is strikingly aromatic: blackberries, dark cherries and wild raspberries are layered with violets, crushed rose petals and a lifted, apricot-like note from the Viognier. Subtle tones of black olive, pepper, smoked meat, and a touch of spice and graphite reveal themselves with air. On the palate, this is medium to full-bodied yet poised, with silky tannins and a fine-boned structure. Juicy dark berry fruit is framed by fresh acidity, while nuances of tapenade, smoked bacon, licorice and warm spices add complexity. The Viognier component contributes a floral, almost ethereal brightness and a supple texture, giving the wine both depth and charm. The 2022 vintage offers immediate appeal in its youthful, aromatic style, but with 7–12 years of aging potential, it will develop further savory, truffled and gamey notes for those with patience.

Production
Domaine Georges Vernay’s Côte-Rôtie parcels lie on the steep, south and southeast-facing schist slopes of the Côte Blonde, where poor, stony soils and a cooler continental climate foster low yields and slow, even ripening. Vines are traditionally worked by hand due to the dramatic inclines, with meticulous selection in the vineyard to ensure only perfectly ripe Syrah and a small proportion of Viognier are picked. After harvest, the grapes are typically destemmed largely or in part (depending on vintage and parcel), then fermented in temperature-controlled vats to preserve aromatics and purity of fruit. Maceration is guided gently to extract fine tannins rather than heaviness, and the wine is aged in French oak barrels—often with a modest proportion of new oak—to refine texture and integrate the floral lift of Viognier with the structure and spice of Syrah, before bottling at the estate.

Food & Serving
Côte-Rôtie Blonde du Seigneur 2022 is a versatile food wine that shines with refined yet flavorful dishes: think roast lamb with herbs, duck breast, grilled veal chops, or game birds with mushrooms. Its savory, smoky tones work beautifully with charcuterie, roasted root vegetables, and dishes featuring olives or tapenade, while its floral lift suits more delicate preparations like veal in light jus or simply grilled tuna or salmon. Serve at around 16–18°C; a light chill can emphasize freshness in its youth. Decant for 45–60 minutes before serving to allow the aromatics to fully blossom and the tannins to soften, especially within the first few years after release.

Producer
Domaine Georges Vernay is one of the iconic names of the Northern Rhône, renowned above all for rescuing and elevating the Condrieu appellation, but also for producing some of the most characterful Côte-Rôties. Founded by Francis Vernay in the mid-20th century and brought to international acclaim by his son Georges, the estate played a pivotal role in preserving Viognier and demonstrating its potential in both white and co-fermented red wines. Today, under the guidance of Georges’s daughter, Christine Vernay, the domaine continues to champion meticulous vineyard work and an artisanal, terroir-driven approach. With holdings in prime sites across Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie, Domaine Georges Vernay is widely regarded as a reference point for elegance, precision, and authenticity in the Northern Rhône.