Domaine Dugat-Py Sous Fretille, Pernand-Vergelesses Premier Cru, France 2022

The Dugat family have been winegrowers in the Gevrey-Chambertin appellation since the beginning of the 17th century. Bernard Dugat and his son, Loîc are the 12th and 13th generation to exploit the unique knowledge of wine-making and working in the vines, which has been acquired over four centuries.

Just north of the hill of Corton, this vineyard faces south-east and overlooks the village of Pernand-Vergelesses from the top of the hill at an elevation mostly between 984 to 1049 feet. It is one of 8 Premiers Crus in the appellation.

Pernand-Vergelesses Sous Frétille 1er Cru Blanc comes from 50-year-old vines occupying a cool microclimate that confers an advantage in warm growing seasons like this one. It has a well-defined bouquet featuring scents of ripe clementines sitting in an antique glass bowl, Nashi pear and light sea spray aromas. The palate is well balanced with a lightly spiced entry, a fine bead of acidity and a gorgeous almond and white-chocolate-tinged finish that lingers in the mouth.