Chanson : Pernand-Vergelesses 1er cru "Les Vergelesses" Domaine 2020

Characteristics and Tasting Advice for the Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru "Les Vergelesses" Domaine 2020 by Chanson

Tasting

Color

The wine displays a deep, intense ruby hue, reflecting the grapes’ fine concentration.

Nose

The nose is expressive and intense, with aromas of black fruits (blackcurrant, black cherry, blackberry) lifted by subtle violet notes. Hints of delicate spices and a light toast nuance enrich the bouquet, bringing lovely aromatic complexity.

Palate

On the palate, the wine shows richness and breadth, carried by generous fruit and a well-defined tannic structure. The palate unfolds in a harmonious succession of ripe black-fruit and spice flavors, enhanced by a subtle saline minerality that gradually builds. The finish stands out for its generous length and a delicate mineral touch.

Food and Wine Pairings

This Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru "Les Vergelesses" Domaine 2020 pairs perfectly with grilled meats, especially rib steak, as well as roasted or braised red meats. It also matches elegantly with feathered game and characterful cheeses such as Brillat-Savarin, Époisses, Cîteaux, or Langres.

Serving and Cellaring

This Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru "Les Vergelesses" Domaine 2020 can be enjoyed now, but will gain in complexity over time, reaching its optimal expression between 2030 - 2035. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 15 and 17°C. Aerating beforehand will allow the wine to fully reveal its aromatic range.

A Pernand-Vergelesses Premier Cru combining power and Burgundian freshness

The Estate

Founded in 1750 in Beaune, Burgundy, the Domaine Chanson is one of the oldest houses still in operation. Owned by the Bollinger group since 1999, it is now led by Thierry Berger, managing director appointed in 2025. Its vineyard spans around 88 hectares: 43 historic hectares in Côte de Beaune, certified organic in 2024, and 45 hectares acquired in 2023 in Côte Chalonnaise. Parcel-by-parcel vinification and the Bastion cellars define its identity.

The Vineyard

The Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru "Les Vergelesses" comes from a 5.3-hectare plot located at the heart of the eponymous Climat, in a hollow at the foot of the Corton hill. This terroir benefits from an east-facing exposure and rests on clay-limestone soils enriched with chaillots, siliceous fragments from chalcedony limestones. The altitude, between 250 and 300 meters, and the specific geological composition give the wine its characteristic structure and distinctive minerality.

The Vintage

The 2020 vintage in Burgundy stands out for exceptional climatic conditions. The year enjoyed 311 more hours of sunshine than average and an average temperature 1.5°C higher. The remarkable drought, the most significant since 1945, particularly favored clay terroirs like that of Domaine Chanson, enabling even ripening without excessive water stress. Natural acidity remained exceptionally high, dominated by tartaric acid, giving the wines a striking crystalline freshness.

Vinification and Aging

Vinification of the Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru "Les Vergelesses" Domaine 2020 favors infusion rather than extraction. The grapes, quickly cooled without exposure to oxygen, are vinified as whole clusters or partially destemmed to draw out depth of color and aromatic complexity. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel. Aging lasts 18 to 19 months in 228-liter barrels, with moderate use of new oak limited to 30% of the total volume.

Grape Variety

100% Pinot Noir