Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Pernand Vergelesses 1er Cru, 2020

Domaine Clos De La Chapelle's Pernand Vergelesses 1er Cru showcases exceptional balance and fruit purity from a generous vintage. From a tiny south-facing 0.13-hectare plot of 30-year-old vines on steep slopes with white marl and limestone soils, this distinguished white Burgundy offers textbook pH levels and remarkable homogeneity that draws comparison to the celebrated 1999 and 2002 vintages.

Technical Information

• Appellation: Corton-Charlemagne, Burgundy, France
• Vineyard Size: 0.13 hectares
• Vine Age: Average 30 years old
• Soil Type: White marl and limestone
• Exposure: Southern, partially hidden by the Hill of Corton
• Vineyard Location: High on the hill, overlooking the village, on steep slopes
• Sugar Levels at Harvest: Approximately 12.5%
• Harvest Period: August 25-31, 2022
• Fermentation: Long and steady for reds (approximately 21 days)
• Malolactic Fermentation: Progressed naturally from primary fermentation for whites

Vintage Characteristics (2022) Nature smiled generously for the 2022 vintage, producing wines of quality and abundance. Yields were ample for both reds and whites, with full vats and tanks of both Pinot and Chardonnay. Frost events occurred in April but damage was inconsequential, partly due to later-than-usual bud burst resulting from new pruning techniques that delay ripening. Summer-like weather in April and early May accelerated vine growth. Flowering occurred at the end of May under largely excellent conditions.

Rainfall of 100 mm in the last half of June provided significant reserves for the vines to survive the heat and dry conditions of the following six weeks, which saw only about 25 mm of rain and peak temperatures routinely between 30 and 35 degrees C. Sugars were remarkably homogenous with minimal variation around 12.5%. pH levels were practically textbook with a tight range among the cuvées.

The 2022 vintage produced wines of exceptional balance and fruit purity, drawing comparison to the 1999 vintage for its generous quantity and quality, though the whites may more closely resemble those of 2002.

Serving Recommendations Ideally served at about 12°C/54°F, this lovely wine pairs perfectly with:

• Lighter appetizers including frog legs and quiche
• Grilled vegetables
• Delicately seasoned fish courses
• A wide range of poultry dishes
• Rabbit