Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru “Île des Vergelesses” blanc ungeschwefelt, Sans Sulfites Ajoutes AOC 2020

Wine Description for Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru “Île des Vergelesses” blanc Unsulphited Sans Sulfites Ajoutes AOC 2020 from Chandon de Briailles

Colour & Appearance

Slightly hazy, deep golden yellow – a colour that initially suggests a mature wine, but proves to be characteristic of unsulphited vinification.

Nose

Fascinatingly multi-layered: After an initial, subtle reduction, a bouquet unfolds of ripe pears, apples and quinces, accompanied by citrus with zest. Fine notes of patisserie, hazelnut and white nougat join in, whilst in the background a hint of smoky wood resonates. An elegant, controlled oxidation lends the wine additional complexity.

Palate

Here the true class of this wine reveals itself: elegant, refined and juicy with a ripe, perfectly integrated acidity. The texture is paradoxical – simultaneously creamy and opulent, yet also linear and precise. A silky structure culminates in a saline finish that guarantees length and freshness. Remarkable is the stability over several days – the wine continues to develop rather than collapse.

Finish

Long, saline-mineral and of remarkable precision. The complexity remains intact until the end, whilst the lightness surprises despite all the richness.

Terroir & Origin

The Île des Vergelesses (9.41 ha) is Pernand’s finest Premier Cru vineyard site with Grand Cru quality. The gravelly and chalky red marl with high iron content resembles the legendary terroir of the Corton hill and imparts extraordinary minerality and structure to the wines.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Chardonnay from vines planted in 1985 and 1991 (10,000 stocks/ha). Whole bunch pressing, spontaneous fermentation in predominantly neutral, multi-year barriques. 14 months ageing on full lees without bâtonnage, unfiltered and unsulphited, bottled directly from barrel.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Sea bass en papillote with saffron mussel stock, grilled langoustines in light chicken stock with Szechuan pepper and green asparagus, gnocchi with lemon Beurre Bordier, sage and fennel pollen.

Special Features

A bold, distinctive Burgundy vinified without sulphur addition – a risk that has been mastered with aplomb here. The stability over several days proves the quality of the terroir and the precision of the cellar work.