Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru „Île des Vergelesses“ rouge 2017

Wine description for Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru „Île des Vergelesses“ rouge 2017 by Chandon de Briailles

Colour & Appearance

Luminous violet-red in the glass, which underscores the youthfulness of this Premier Cru.

Nose

Initially reserved and cool, this Île de Vergelesses presents itself with red currants to the fore. With air contact, blackcurrants and cherry aromas develop, accompanied by a spicy note and subtly integrated oak. The wine requires patience to unfold its full aromatic potential.

Palate

On the palate, a remarkable contrast to the reserved nose emerges: the wine opens with warm cherry fruit and forest berry notes, which provide juicy fullness. The tannins are rounded and almost caressing, the acidity deliberately restrained. Noteworthy is the underlying minerality, which lends the wine structure and depth.

Finish

Long and warm-fruited with persistent mineral presence, which underscores the Grand Cru character of this vineyard site.

Terroir & Origin

The 9.41-hectare Premier Cru vineyard site Île de Vergelesses is regarded as exceptionally high-quality – on a par with Grand Cru level. The vines are rooted in gravelly and chalky red marl with a high iron content, similar to the famous Corton hill. Chandon de Briailles manages 13.31 hectares here with vines averaging 40 years old, some reaching 80 years, facing east.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pinot Noir, minimally sulphited according to the domaine’s philosophy. This version shows itself more structured and age-worthy than its unsulphited counterpart.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Excellent with Pinot risotto with wild mushrooms and duck breast, red grouse wrapped in bacon with glazed apple wedges or surprisingly also with almond-date couscous with beetroot and roasted carrots.

Special Features

This 2017 still requires ageing time to unfold its full potential. A wine that impressively demonstrates the exceptional quality of Île de Vergelesses – a vineyard site that arguably deserved Grand Cru status.