Domaine Chandon de Briailles Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Île des Vergelesses 2022

Île des Vergelesses is a premier cru Pinot Noir from Pernand-Vergelesses in Burgundy, made by Domaine Chandon de Briailles, a historic estate dating to 1834 and run since 1988 by Claude de Nicolay and her brother François under organic and biodynamic practice with Ecocert and Demeter certification. The vineyard sits on the limestone and marl slopes of the Corton hill, a cool east-facing site whose pale calcareous soils and good drainage give Pinot Noir its tense red fruit, floral lift and saline minerality. Whole-bunch fermentation is part of the house style here, the stems adding grip, freshness and a savoury, spiced edge. Ageing runs eighteen months in French oak, mostly used, so the wood frames the wine without covering its delicacy and the slow oxygen exchange settles the tannins. The colour is bright, pale ruby. The nose is red cherry, raspberry and redcurrant over rose, dried herbs and earth. The palate is medium bodied and finely structured, with silky tannins, vivid acidity and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees in a wide glass, with roast duck or game birds.