Region: Pernand-Vergelesses, Burgundy, France

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir

Tasting notes: The nose shows a lifted and pretty style of rose pedal, red cherry, freshly turned earth, and sweet raspberries. The palate is light in weight with moderate acid and delicate red cherry and raspberry with light bitter orange, clay minerality, some earth and light barrel spice.

Producer: It’s easy to miss the petite hamlet of Pernand-Vergelesses, hiding behind bulk of the noble Corton hill. Yet this Côte de Beaune village, with its impeccable vineyards, is a treasure trove of refined Burgundy wines. For more than three generations, the Delarche family has crafted authentic, earthy and expressive Burgundy in Pernand, much under the radar of the Burgundy cognoscenti. Yet Delarche Burgundy offers a clarity and purity of flavor that is captivating; whites are creamy and concentrated, taking a cue from Corton-Charlemagne, while reds are spicy and refined, seductive from the moment they’re bottled yet able to age effortlessly for years.

Vineyard and Winemaking: Domaine Etienne Delarche can be found in the tiny village of Pernand Vergelesses where Etienne Delarche farms holdings totaling 22 acres of Côte de Beaune. The family cellar lies in the shadow of the famed hill of Corton. Vines are organic and sustainably farmed following a simple natural philosophy –- though they have yet to be certified. All grapes are hand harvested. Indigenous yeast is used.  Winemaker Etienne Delarche selects only older-vine fruit (70 years or older) for this over-performing villages Pinot Noir, which is bordered by premier cru vineyards. Deeper soils translates to plusher, more savory and expressive black fruits.