Pernand-Vergelesses is a village appellation (village AOC) in Côte de Beaune in Bourgogne. It lies in the commune of Pernand-Vergelesses at the foot of the famous Corton hill, and it is precisely this location that gives the wines their character. Part of the commune's land contributes to the Grand Crus Corton and Corton-Charlemagne, as the hill is divided between several communes. It is an appellation that is often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, but which rewards the curious.
Both red and white wine are made here, fairly evenly divided. The reds are built on Pinot Noir and offer notes of strawberry, raspberry and violets that develop towards spice with age. The whites are made from Chardonnay and play just as natural a role as the reds. If you are looking for a Burgundy with both substance and freshness, it is worth remembering that this is far from a purely red-wine appellation.
The appellation counts eight premier cru vineyards, among others Île des Vergelesses and En Caradeux, each of which expresses its own terroir. This provides a stylistic breadth worth exploring, whether you prefer the red or the white expression.
The style suits both the quiet evening at home and the laid table, where you want to offer something with depth and origin. The reds have the backbone to mature in the bottle, while the whites combine finesse with a pleasant freshness. If you want to explore more widely, you can dive into our selection from Bourgogne and the rest of Frankrig.