Located in the north of the Côte de Beaune, at the back of the Corton mountain, the Pernand-Vergelesses vineyard covers 145 hectares and is bordered by bulky neighbors such as Aloxe Corton and Savigny lès Beaune. For many years, the wines of Pernand-Vergelesse have had a reputation for being lively, taut and catchy, wines that can be kept for a long time but lack maturity on first approach. However, higher temperatures in recent years have given them greater roundness and a very promising aromatic development. The appellation’s wines are increasingly popular with a diverse public, attracted by their affordability and the reputation of the 1er Cru wines.

A red and white terroir

“The originality of Pernand is that we have true white soils and true red soils,” explains Vincent Rapet, the appellation’s winemaker. The appellation’s different climats produce as many reds as whites. The red 1er Crus, located at the bottom of the commune, are planted on ferruginous soils, 50 centimeters of red soil with gentle slopes. Higher up, the soils are shallower. The topography here is more rugged, very chalky and more suitable for growing Chardonnay and 1er Crus whites. There is a great diversity of exposure throughout the appellation (east, west, south, southeast…).

More and more recognized wines

The AOC is not as well known as its neighbors (Cortons, Savigny or Aloxe-Corton). And with good reason: the appellation was only recognized as an AOC in 1970, and its best white Premier Crus was only recognized in 2000. Previous generations didn’t grow Chardonnay, and Aligoté sold much better. Today, Pernand has a lot going for it: fresh reds that are shinier than in the past, whites that are more affordable than those from the south, such as Meursault or Puligny, and that retain a similarity with those from Cortons Charlemagne.

There are 8 climats classified as Premiers Crus: Clos Berthet, Creux de la Net, En Caradeu, Ile des Vergelesses, Les Fichot, Sous Frétille, Vergelesses, Village de Pernand. The 1er Cru red wines have a deep color and a bouquet characterized by clear red fruit notes, such as redcurrant and raspberry. They can easily be kept for more than 10 years, and can be enjoyed with tender game.

Pernand-Vergelesses Premiers Crus white wines have a pale yellow hue that turns golden yellow with age. On the nose, notes of acacia and hawthorn with a hint of spice. These are dense, deep wines with a beautiful structure that gives them excellent ageing potential. When fully matured, this wine pairs perfectly with fish in sauce and cheeses.