Georges Vernay St Joseph Terres D'Encre 2015

Drink now through 2028 and beyond. Decant up to 2 hours.

A red wine with a name as evocative as the varietal it holds - it literally means “Earth of Ink” and comes from one of Northern Rhône’s most talented winemakers, Christine Vernay.

You will find this Syrah intensely aromatic as spices, flora, and dark berry compote assault your olfactory. It is an inky crimson with indigo-stained tips.

There is medium body with a meaty palate. It is structured with soft, ripe tannins. Dark crushed blueberries, blackberries, Earl Grey tea, and violets are layered throughout this bold red with refreshing acidity and minerality. Dark berries, wildflowers, and herbs mingle with sanguine and iron in the rosemary-infused finale.

Given the bigness of this red, enjoy it chilled around 18°C and serve with grilled red meats or large game, stews, roasts, and rosemary crusted lamb.

The Vernay family hand-selects the fruit used to elaborate their wines. The grapes used for this Terres d’Encre are from 3 parcels of vines on the terraces of Chavanay, where the soil is comprised of rich, dark granite. The vines on these parcels are from 30-year-old rootstock which imparts spicy structure, body, and elegance into the wine. This wine is an excellent example of a classic Northern Rhône Syrah. Saint-Joseph is the largest appellation in the Northern Rhône wine region. Both red and white wines are allowed to be produced here, although Syrah remains the most popular production.