Georges Vernay Saint Joseph Red “Terres D’encres”

Georges Vernay's Saint-Joseph "Terres d'Encre" is an elegant and powerful 100% Syrah red wine from a granite terroir, renowned for its finesse, intense aromas of black fruits and spices, and balanced tannic structure, typical of the great wines of the northern Rhône Valley.

Origin and Terroir
Appellation: Saint-Joseph (AOP)
Region: Northern Rhône Valley, commune of Chavanay
Soil type: Granite, bringing freshness and minerality to the wine
Average vine age: Around 30 years
Planting density: Around 7,000 vines/ha
Certifications: Organic Farming (Ecocert), biodynamic practices

Grape Variety
100% Syrah

Viticulture and Harvest
Vineyard work: Mostly manual and mechanized on sloping terrain via crawler tractor
Harvest: Manual, at full maturity, in 20 kg crates

Vinification and Aging
Vinification:
Total skin maceration
Maceration in stainless steel tanks for 2 to 3 weeks with punch-downs and light pump-overs depending on tasting
Aging: Between 12 and 18 months in oak barrels for recent vintages
Fermentation at controlled temperature to preserve freshness and aromatic complexity.

Tasting
Appearance: Dark, purple-red, deep and bright
Nose: Intense aromas of black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry), pepper, violet and fine spices with sometimes slightly woody notes due to aging
Palate: Deep, silky and mineral, with an elegant tannic structure, fine tannins and beautiful freshness. The finish is long, racé and persistent, marked by a spicy thread typical of northern Syrah
Character: Dense, fleshy, balanced blending power and finesse

Service and Storage Advice
Serving temperature: 16-18°C to fully reveal the aromas and structure
Aging potential: Can be enjoyed young but recommends 3 to 6 years of aging to reach optimal maturity. Aging potential can go up to 8 years or even more depending on the vintage
Food pairings: Ideal with grilled red meats, game, spicy dishes, coq au vin, lasagna bolognese, salt pork with lentils, pork ribs with barbecue sauce

Notes and Recognition
The Georges Vernay estate is renowned for the quality and finesse of its wines, particularly in Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu and Saint-Joseph.
This wine is considered one of the top wines of the Saint-Joseph appellation, appreciated for its aromatic complexity and its balance between elegance and power.

Recent vintages (2021, 2022, 2023) confirm the typical style of the estate with a good ability to age and develop complex aromas while remaining fresh and precise.

This wine perfectly embodies the granite terroir of Chavanay, offering a clear and refined expression of northern Syrah, in respect of the organic and biodynamic practices of the Georges Vernay estate.