Pernand Vergelesses 1er cru Ile des Vergelesses 2022 Domaine Pavelot

The Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Île des Vergelesses 2022 from Domaine Pavelot is the flagship cuvée of this engaging family domaine, a fine and elegant Premier Cru to drink over the next ten years. The nose develops notes of dark fruits and blonde tobacco. The palate is round and silky, revealing real complexity and balance. A true discovery: a Premier Cru that rivals many more celebrated neighbours on the Côte de Beaune, yet at a price that makes it one of the best value wines in the appellation.

The terroir of Île des Vergelesses

Île des Vergelesses is the most reputed Premier Cru of Pernand-Vergelesses, situated on the border with Savigny-lès-Beaune on the northern slope of the Corton hillside. This mid-slope terroir, facing east on argilo-calcareous, stony soils scattered with iron oxides, is one of the most consistent and characteristic of the appellation. Its geographical position ensures harmonious ripening of Pinot Noir while preserving natural freshness and mineral tension that define the best Pernand-Vergelesses. Domaine Pavelot has worked in organic farming for twenty years and recently obtained certification as a mark of transparency to its customers. The organic wines produced are fresh and delicate for Pernand-Vergelesses and deep for Corton. Fermentation uses indigenous yeasts, and since 2005 whole bunches have been included during maceration. The domaine explains this practice: alcoholic fermentation begins more spontaneously and proceeds more regularly. The stems also act as a drain, ensuring slower extraction of tannins and greater stability over time. This carbonic maceration creates broad aromatic complexity centred on fruit with spicy notes. This Pernand is aged with 40% new oak and 50% whole bunches, with careful ageing.

Tasting profile

The 1er Cru Île des Vergelesses is aged in barrel to bring out the complexity and finesse of the terroir. This is a truly interesting domaine whose wines are particularly charming while remaining reasonably priced. This Pernand shows aromas of stewed red fruits, pepper and clove. Careful ageing rounds and supports an elegant, slender palate, lined with finely etched tannins. Its deep ruby colour immediately catches the eye, revealing a complex bouquet of ripe red fruit, delicate floral notes and subtle oak nuances from barrel ageing. On the palate, Île des Vergelesses shows elegant structure, balanced between lively acidity and silky tannins, offering an intoxicating and persistent finish. The 2022 vintage is generous and well-built, with rich fruit and ripe tannins promising fine evolution in cellar over ten to fifteen years.

The domaine

Domaine Pavelot is a family wine estate in Burgundy, at Pernand-Vergelesses, run by the same family for generations. Luc and Lise represent the seventh generation at the helm. Their 10-hectare vineyard is farmed in organic and biodynamic practices. The Pavelot family has been present in Pernand-Vergelesses since at least the seventeenth century. Their nine-hectare vineyard is split between Pernand-Vergelesses and Aloxe-Corton. Pre-fermentation cold maceration and the use of gently toasted barrels allow maximum expression of fruit. This is an engaging domaine we respect for its integrity and the elegance of its wines.

Food pairings

This Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Île des Vergelesses pairs beautifully with roasted Bresse chicken with herbs, lamb rack with warm spices, duck with cherries, beef fillet with wild mushrooms or partridge with cabbage. It also harmonises well with aged cheeses such as Époisses or Cîteaux. Decant for 45 minutes when young. Served between 15 and 17°C, it will reveal all the fruity finesse, elegance and depth of a Premier Cru from the Côte de Beaune signed by one of the most upright and engaging winemaking families of Pernand-Vergelesses.