Pernand-Vergelesses, located near Aloxe-Corton and Savigny, in Northern Côte de Beaune, is one of the most picturesque villages in Burgundy : a few houses huddling a pretty little church, with vineyards all around. The origin of the name goes back to the Celts : "Per-Nan", according to the experts, means "the disappearing Spring". 

This is an appellation producing white wine, although most of it is red wine. The reds are produced solely from the Pinot Noir grape. Joseph DROUHIN buys grapes from various growers : being able to control the yield in a designated vineyard is an important factor for quality. At Maison Joseph DROUHIN, the winemaking techniques remain traditional : hand-picked grapes, fermentation in open wooden vats with punching down of the cap and pumping over of the juice. The wine ages in barrels for 16 to 18 months and is fined with egg whites prior to bottling. 

There is always a little austerity in Pernand-Vergelesses rouge. The wines do need a few years (from 5 to 8) to reveal their elegant structure. When young, they display a very pleasant nose, some fruit and an already discernable complexity. Their good balance and persistent length on the palate makes them truly interesting and worth seeking out.