Pernand 1er Cru “Île des Vergelesses” La vie est Belle ungeschwefelt, Sans Sulfites Ajoutes AOC 2020

Wine Description for Pernand 1er Cru “Île des Vergelesses” La vie est Belle Unsulphured Sans Sulfites Ajoutes AOC 2020 by Chandon de Briailles

Colour & Appearance

Luminous, golden yellow with greenish reflections – vibrant and clear, yet possessing a natural depth that one appreciates in unfiltered, naturally made white wine.

Nose

A seductive, multi-layered bouquet: ripe pear and white peach meet delicate notes of acacia blossom and freshly baked brioche. To this is added a fine mineral spice – the unmistakable limestone character of the Île des Vergelesses speaks quietly, yet distinctly.

Palate

On the palate, this wine unfolds with remarkable fullness and texture – the warm 2020 vintage leaves its mark in an opulent, almost creamy body. Yet thanks to biodynamic viticulture, the wine retains a vibrant freshness and tension. Notes of quince, almond and a hint of ginger lend it complexity and character. The acidity is well-integrated, the alcohol at 14% noticeable, yet well-balanced.

Finish

Long, spicy and with a beautiful mineral aftertaste. The wine bids farewell with a subtle saline note and the promise of gaining further depth with continued ageing.

Terroir & Origin

The Île des Vergelesses is one of the most renowned Premier Cru vineyard sites of Pernand-Vergelesses in the heart of the Côte de Beaune. The combination of calcareous subsoil and ideal exposure gives the wines from this site their characteristic tension between ripeness and minerality.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Made from Pinot Blanc – a rare find in Burgundy. The grapes are pressed slowly as whole bunches in barriques and tonneaux, with ageing in less than 15% new oak. The wine is bottled unfiltered and completely without added sulphites – a bold commitment to naturalness. The Chandon de Briailles estate has farmed biodynamically since 2005 and has been fully certified since 2011.

Food Pairing Suggestions

An ideal companion to bouillabaisse, grilled turbot with beurre blanc or a classic Poulet de Bresse à la crème. Also a revelation with mature Comté or a Quiche Lorraine.

Special Characteristics

An extraordinary wine that possesses rarity value in several respects: Pinot Blanc from a Premier Cru vineyard site in Burgundy, produced biodynamically, unfiltered and bottled completely without added sulphites. “La vie est Belle” – life is beautiful. This wine makes that statement true.