Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru “Île des Vergelesses” blanc 2017 – Chandon de Briailles

The Chardonnay comes from the 9.41 hectare Premier Cru site Île de Vergelesses in Pernand-Vergelesses. The site is framed by Savigny's Les Vergelesses as well as Pernand's Les Vergelesses. The quality of the terroir is higher than that of all the other Premier Cru sites in the village and is actually at Grand Cru level. The terroir of Pernand-Vergelesses, similar to the one at Corton Hill, is characterized by siliceous and calcareous red marl, which has a high iron content. In addition to 13.31 hectares of Pinot, the domaine also has one hectare of Chardonnay, planted in 1985 and 1991 at 10,000 cane density.

light to medium straw yellow

The 2017 Île de Vergelesses blanc trumps with a perfume as striking as it is complex, of yellow pear and ripe pineapple, white currants, salt lemons and a sweep of herbs, with chalky notes. The wine appears ripe but is also very fresh and lively with a light creaminess and a hint of candied ginger, yeasty biscuits and wood.

On the palate, it should be clear to everyone that the Île de Vergelesses site is only a stone's throw away from the best Chardonnay sites on the Corton. This is, as it were, small Corton Juicy and creamy, punchy and powerful, it lines the mouth, and one senses not only a lively acidity, but an all-pervasive minerality. Again, you'll find the salted lemon, pineapple and pear sliced into cream curd. On top of that, the wine seems spicier than on the nose, and the wood is also a bit more present, if only in a very subtle way. It all fits together perfectly, is vibrant and demanding, at the same time deeply satisfying and sensual.