Chandon de Briailles Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Ile des Vergelesses 2020
The Wine
91-94 Pts Burghound - Sweet Spot-Outstanding ‘Here the equally cool and restrained aromas are the most floral-suffused in the range long with an airy and spicy mix of red currant and dark cherry coulis. The mouthfeel of the intense and beautifully detailed flavors is more refined still while displaying even more evident minerality on the perfumed, stylish and classy finale. This is lovely and should age extremely well as it virtually always does. Recommended.’
The Details
Variety - Pinot Noir
Country - France
Region - Burgundy
Sub Region - Pernand-Vergelesses
Extra - Cork
Year - 2020
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker
Established in 1834, Chandon des Briailles boasts a commendable history and continues as a genuine family domaine to this day. The estate has been inherited by successive generations of the de Nicolay family, with the current custodians being the sibling duo, Count François de Nicolay and Claude.
Despite its notable heritage, it remains somewhat of an enigma in the wine industry. Those privy to its reputation recognize that Chandon des Briailles consistently produces wines of outstanding quality that are particularly beneficial to age.
The vineyards sprawl across the villages of Savigny-lès-Beaune, Pernand, and Aloxe, home to the esteemed Grand Crus of Corton Clos du Roi, Bressandes, and Maréchaudes.
Organic farming has been the norm here since the late '80s, initiated by Nadine, the mother of François and Claude, who sought to abolish chemical treatments in the vineyards. Over the subsequent four decades, the domaine has fully embraced biodynamics, earning certification in 2012.
Typically, biodynamics is associated with vineyard cultivation, yet it also entails a distinct certification for the winery. Presently, the domaine's lands are tilled solely by horse, and efforts are underway to substitute sulphur treatments with skim milk to combat powdery mildew.
In 2013, Christian Knott, (Vaucluse Cellars Alumni), took over as Head Winemaker, leading to a significant enhancement in quality. Under his watch, the wines become purer, more delightful, and accessible earlier, while still possessing their aging potential. The 2020 vintage marks the last under his stewardship before he departed to focus on his own Domaine Dandelion. These Burgundies are of such high caliber that they would be a proud addition to any esteemed Burgundy cellar.