Domaine Berthelemot Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Sous Fretille 2019

A relatively young domaine, founded by Brigitte Berthelemot in 2006, this Meursault-based estate has quickly developed a reputation for its fine, elegantly styled wines. Now joined in the business by her son, they manage a patchwork of parcels throughout the Cote de Beaune. Working sustainably, certified by HVE, from the outset, in 2018 they began conversion to organic viticulture with vintages from 2021 bearing organic certification.

Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergalesses is the source of some stunning white wines. The Premier Cru Sous Fretille sits on a neighbouring hillside to the Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, benefitting from a south-east facing exposure. The combination of warm exposure, limestone soil and higher altitude gives wines that balance richness of fruit with great poise and acidity.

After hand-harvesting and meticulous sorting, the wine is fermented entirely in French oak barrels, with 25% new barrels to add spicy complexity. Full-flavoured and generous, with great intensity of Amalfi lemon and mandarin orange, hints of flowers and creamy, toasty oak notes. Long, smooth and perfectly balanced, finishing with the dense minerality typical of its limestone origins.