Pernand Vergelesses
After passing Aloxe-Corton, a gradual uphill going to Pernand Vergelesses. Monique took the lead and chose the dirt road that didn’t faze her, then we stopped in Meuilley and ate the goods that were with us at the bus stop.
Pernand-Vergelesses is a small, historic wine-producing village in the Côte de Beaune region of Burgundy, known for its unique terroir and high-quality wines. Located on the slopes surrounding the famous Corton hill, Pernand-Vergelesses benefits from varied soils and exposures that allow it to produce both red and white wines, predominantly from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.
Key Characteristics and Appellations
Terroir and Climate: The village’s soils are primarily clay-limestone, with steeper, well-draining slopes that are ideal for Pinot Noir, and more clay-rich areas suited to Chardonnay. The climate here is continental, with warm summers and cool, wet winters, allowing grapes to achieve ideal ripeness while retaining acidity.
Notable Appellations:
Pernand-Vergelesses Village AOC: Wines under this appellation include both red and white wines. Reds are typically lighter and fresher than neighboring regions, with floral and berry notes, while whites have a mineral-driven profile with citrus and stone fruit.
Premier Cru and Grand Cru: The village is also home to Pernand-Vergelesses Premier Cru vineyardsand has part of the prestigious Corton and Corton-Charlemagne Grand Crus within its boundaries. Corton-Charlemagne, for example, is a renowned Grand Cru Chardonnay known for its power, depth, and longevity. Corton, on the other hand, produces structured, long-lived Pinot Noir.
Wine Style:
Reds: Red Pernand-Vergelesses wines tend to be lighter and more elegant than those from Gevrey-Chambertin, with soft tannins and flavors of red fruits, earth, and sometimes spices. They are known for aging gracefully and develop complex tertiary notes over time.
Whites: The whites are typically mineral, with a vibrant acidity, often noted for their finesse and layers of citrus, apple, and floral notes, along with a rich, creamy texture in Premier Cru versions.
Wineries and Producers: Domaine Rapet, Chandon de Briailles, and Tollot-Beaut are a few of the respected producers in the area, known for crafting wines that express the elegance and terroir of Pernand-Vergelesses.
Pernand-Vergelesses may be lesser-known than some other Burgundy appellations, but it offers high-quality wines that showcase the balance and finesse Burgundy is famous for, often at more accessible prices. This makes it an appealing choice for those looking to explore Burgundy wines.