Domaine Chandon de Briailles Pernand-Vergelesses Premier Cru Ile de Vergelesses AOC Rouge 2019

A rich, aromatic natural red wine Pernand-Vergelesses Premier Cru "Ile de Vergelesses" is made from Pinot Noir grapes. The "Ile de Vergelesses" vineyard, classified as Premier Cru, covers an area of 3.13 hectares with an eastern exposure. The vines, with an average age of 40 years, grow on limestone soils rich in iron, although the upper slope consists of clay marl and more gravelly soil below. This soil has good drainage properties, protecting the vines from excessive water, which helps reduce fungal diseases and rot, limiting the growth of foliage that consumes a lot of energy. Instead, the preserved strength and energy of the vines go into producing high-quality grapes. There are also unique old vines planted in 1938. The "Ile de Vergelesses" vineyard is the most likely candidate in the commune for Grand Cru status, and since Pernand-Vergelesses is one of the lesser-known names in Côte de Beaune, the "Ile des Vergelesses" Premier Cru wines can offer good value for money. The harvest is carefully sorted when the berries reach optimal ripeness. The fermentation of the must takes place in open cement tanks and lasts about 15 days, with a maximum fermentation temperature reaching 32 °C. The wine is then aged in oak barrels for at least 18 months. The 2019 vintage will reveal its organoleptic properties fully between 2023 and 2046. The mild winter of 2019 prompted an early start to the growing cycle in late March. Fortunately, April and May were quite cool, which delayed bud break and slowed the overall rapid development of the vines. After a vigorous flowering, thanks to favorable weather, the vine grew very quickly. July and August were hot and dry, but several storms at the end of July helped avoid water stress. Early September was very hot, so the harvest began earlier than planned. The 2019 vintage produced wines that are rich, pure, and concentrated, yet with remarkable freshness and balance.