Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru "Île des Vergelesses" rouge 2019
An elegant, red-fruited Pinot Noir at Grand Cru level with fascinating depth. Sourced from an outstanding steep site in Burgundy, it unites ethereal freshness with powerful, vibrant minerality.
Ethereal notes of barberry, mint, myrtle and sandalwood, underpinned with rose petals, sour cherries, oranges, wild strawberries, leaf litter and warm earth.
Palate
Powerful, punchy and full of energy on the palate; characterized by a taut acidity, notes of blood orange and pomegranate, as well as a grippy tannic structure with plenty of dry extract.
Character
Crystalline, fresh-tart and complex with an surprisingly weightless performance and long ageing potential.
Pairing
Saddle of venison with quince and chestnuts, duck breast with braised chicory, or a spicy mushroom Chettinad.
Notes
Produced from Demeter-certified, biodynamic farming, spontaneously fermented with 100% whole bunches and sourced from vines up to 80 years old.
Tasting note
Colour & Appearance
A bright, deep garnet red in the glass.
Nose
On the nose, an ethereal, luminous aromatic interplay unfolds. Nuances of sour cherries, wild strawberries and oranges blend with subtle notes of barberries, mint, myrtle and fine sandalwood. In the background, delicate nuances of rose petals, undergrowth and damp limestone shimmer through.
Palate
On the palate, this Pinot Noir displays immense drive and energy. A taut, vibrant acidity structure meets juicy impulses of blood orange and pomegranate. The tannins are grippy yet finely structured, carried by high mineral density and a remarkably transparent, almost weightless mouthfeel.
Finish
The finish is tartly fresh, complex and astonishingly crystalline. The mineral backbone and cool fruit core ensure an extraordinarily long, lingering finish with immense ageing potential.
Terroir & Origin
The Premier Cru site Île des Vergelesses is considered the undisputed heart of Pernand-Vergelesses, offering Grand Cru quality. The soil of pebbly and calcareous red marl is rich in iron. François and Claude de Nicolay farm east-facing, partly steep parcels here with vines up to 80 years old. Soil cultivation across the entire estate is consistently carried out using their own horses.
Grape Variety & Vinification
Pure Pinot Noir, biodynamically grown in accordance with Demeter guidelines. The harvest undergoes 100% whole-bunch spontaneous fermentation in wooden vats. Ageing takes place over 14 months using gravity in barriques and tonneaux with a very low proportion of new oak. Bottling is done straight from the barrel with minimal added sulphur, unfined and unfiltered.
Food Pairings
Pairs exquisitely with saddle of venison with quince and chestnuts or classic duck breast with steamed chicory and Gratin Dauphinoise. Also a triumph as a vegetarian option alongside a spiced Chettinad with mixed mushrooms such as cèpes, shiitake and Chestnut Royale.
Particularities
A neo-classical, Demeter-certified Burgundy from historic soil: Matured in a 12th-century Cistercian cellar, this wine combines untamed terroir energy with the radical, unvarnished style signature of Domaine Chandon de Briailles.
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