Pernand-Vergelesses, Sous Frètille 1er Cru

When Antonin Guyon started out in the 1960s, he had but a few small parcels of land in Gevrey and Meursault—not an uncommon footing to have in the fragmented tapestry of Burgundy. But today, thanks in part to his forward-thinking sons Dominique and Michel, the domaine has evolved into one of the most prestigious in the Côte d’Or, with day-to-day operations helmed by Dominique and his daughter, Hombeline. Based in Savigny-lès-Beaune, the family’s vineyard properties stretch around the hill of Corton, north to Gevrey, south to Meursault, west to the Hautes Côtes de Nuits and east to Chorey-lès-Beaune. Their wines represent 15 different appellations, including an exceptional range of Premier and Grands Crus and covering many renowned cru villages, giving Domaine Antonin Guyon the depth of a traditional négociant, with estate-produced wines that represent a variety of quality tiers and price points.

Pernand-Vergelesses is located northwest of Beaune. The very steep slopes here enjoy good south-easterly exposure and white marl soils, predominantly limestone. The 1er Cru Sous Frètille is at the top of the Corton hill, just above the Gran Cru Corton Charlemagne itself.

Grapes are hand-harvested and then carried in small boxes to the cellars, where they are sorted. Fermentation takes place in oak casks between 64-68°F. Lees are stirred in the casks twice a week. The wine is aged for 15 months in French oak barrels.

Golden color, with flowery aromas and hints of hazelnuts. An elegant wine with a lot of finesse and freshness.