Burgundy's Rising Star: PERNAND-VERGELESSES Bon Coeur Fine Wines

Without doubt a hidden gem of the Cotes de Beaune in Burgundy that produces excellent and more importantly under-rated red (Pinot Noir) and white (Chardonnay) wines.

My love affair with the wines of Pernand-Vergelesses (PV) goes back to 1994 when I worked the harvest for Louis Latour and was based in the neighbouring village of Aloxe-Corton which is just around the Corton-Charlemagne hill. In those days Corton Charlemagne was £25-£30 a bottle yet has risen hugely due to its Grand Cru status from between £100-£200+ a bottle while the wines of PV have only seen a modest rise in comparison.

PV only has about 135 hectares of vines, Many of their vineyards are on the steepest slopes in Burgundy, I have memories of slopes of 1 in 4, possibly steeper, losing control carrying the baskets of grapes down the hill and taking 30 metres to stop at the bottom. With such steep slopes the top soil is much thinner and the vines have more roots in the bedrock and the wines have a gorgeous minerals edge, even backbone that gives the wines more tension and a linear edge. My preference is slightly towards the whites but the reds especially the Premier Cru’s are also very good.

In 2007, PV was given Premier Cru status for just over 60 hectares. My favourite for the white Premier Cru is ‘Sous Fretille’ and ‘Les Fichots’ and Les Vergelesses for the reds.

We currently stock PV from four different producers, mainly whites due to my personal preferences and the Premier Cru’s largely come from Jean-Jacques Girard as I love the harmony and purity he gets with his wines but also as he’s the best value as they are his own vineyards and he’s not buying any grapes.

Why Buy ?

1. Value for money they are in my view ‘exceptional’
2. 17 hectares of PV is actually Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru
3. Wines have wonderful energy, vibrancy and length just to state a few
4. You can impress (on line, Zoom or face time) your local wine buff
5. You're worth it, life’s too short so enjoy
6. Jamie likes them :-)

Jean Jacques Girard

Pernand-Vergelesses Premier Cru Blanc ‘Sous Fretille’ ‘2016 - £33 - JG FAVOURITE

My star of the White 1er Cru's and actually situated opposite the Corton Charlemagne Hill. Most 1er Cru's from Cotes de Beaune are £40 plus a bottle

Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc ‘Belles Filles’ 2014 - £24.99 - RECOMMENDED

2014 and 2017 are two great vintages for the whites. A firm favourite.

Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc ‘Belles Filles’ 2016 - £24.99

Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc ‘Belles Filles’ 2017 - £24.99 - RECOMMENDED

Pernand-Vergelesses Premier Cru Rouge 'Les Fichots' 2017 - £29.99 - MY FAVOURITE PREMIER CRU RED

Pernand-Vergelesses Premier Cru Rouge ‘Les Vergelesses’ 2016 - £29.99 - STAR BUY RED

Incredibly small vintage due to back frost in April but quality very good.

Joseph Drouhin

Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc, Joseph Drouhin 2017 - £24.99 - POSSIBLY BEST EVER

Joseph Drouhin is one of the best producers but normally his prices have a 20% plus premier....not for this wine, we made a cheeky offer that was excepted (Market retail price is £33). Possibly the best PV that I have tasted from Drouhin.

Louis Jadot

Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc ‘Les Combottes 2016 - £29.99 - RECOMMENDED - STAR LOUIS JADOT BUY

Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc ‘Clos de Croix de Pierre’ Blanc 2014 - £32 - BRILLIANT

Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc ‘Clos de Croix de Pierre’ Blanc 2016 - £30

The vineyard has an east-south east orientation and calcerous, stony soils which produce fresh and energetic wines. The name `Croix de Pierre` is a reference to the big cross at the entrance of the vineyard.

Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Rouge ‘Clos de Croix de Pierre’ 2017 - £32