Vougeot Rouge Clos de la Perrière 1er Cru-Monopole

With 18 wonderfully diverse appellations across the region, 12 of which are Premier and Grand crus, Bertagna is among the top ranking Domaines in Burgundy. A desire for perfection and emphasis on quality, coupled with significant investments in technology and vineyard management, result in some of the region’s most compelling wines. Domaine Bertagna is perhaps best known for its elegant, silky red wines, but it also produces one of the world’s rarest white wines – Vougeot 1er Cru Blanc “Les Cras” from the Côtes de Nuits. Bertagna comprises 20 hectares, most of which are planted to Pinot Noir; the remaining area is planted to Chardonnay and split between Vougeot 1er Cru Les Cras, Vougeot Le Village and a parcel of Corton-Charlemagne. Their wines include five Grands Crus, seven Premiers Crus, and three Village wines, stretching from Chambertin to Corton. The historic Domaine Bertagna once belonged to the Cistercian monks, famous for founding the Clos de Vougeot in the 13th century. The estate’s cellars and vineyards are located in the heart of the village nearby the Château and its ancient Chapter House.

Between the Grands Crus Clos de Vougeot and Musigny, the monopole Clos de la Perriére is a vineyard of historic significance. Well drained and stoney limestone soils are complemented by rich mineral clay deposits with vines reaching 86 years old.

After strict pruning and a mid-season green harvest to control yields, the grapes are hand-picked in small boxes with hand-sorting at the vineyard and the winery to ensure only the finest grapes. Pre-fermentation cold maceration is followed by alcoholic fermentation at 82°F, with malolactic fermentation in barrels. Only natural yeast from the grapes is used, the wine is manually punched down and left to ferment in tanks for 21 to 28 days. The wine is aged in French oak barrels (50% new oak) for 16 to 18 months.

While elegant and subtle it also expresses beautiful complexity. Often truffle or tobacco notes and always very spicy. While young, this wine has floral aromas, but with age, has hints of toasted almonds and coffee to complement its red/black fruits.