Domaine Rapet - Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru En Caradeux 2024
In Pernand-Vergelesses, at the foot of the Corton mountain, Domaine Rapet continues a family winemaking tradition evidenced by a tasting glass dated 1765, carefully preserved by the family. Today led by Vincent Rapet, the estate boasts a remarkable diversity of terroirs, from village appellations to the grand crus of the Corton hill. Among its white premier crus, En Caradeux stands out for its geographical location and the particularly pronounced personality of its Chardonnay. Facing east, this vineyard occupies a very steep slope at the foot of a hill, on light sandy soils mixed with gravelly scree. Its position, close to the prestigious vineyards of Corton-Charlemagne, gives it a special interest in the landscape of the Côte de Beaune. The estate produces a white wine here that differs from Pernand-Vergelesses village wines by a more pronounced structure, superior aromatic intensity, and an aging potential that deserves the full attention of lovers of great Burgundian Chardonnays.
The 2024 vintage brings a particularly interesting dimension to En Caradeux, in a Burgundy year marked by abundant rainfall, strong sanitary pressure, and often reduced yields. On this east-facing slope, the sandy soils resting on weathered rock formations and scree provide a favorable environment for drainage. Hand harvesting preserves the integrity of the grape clusters, which are transported to the winery in small crates. The estate practices slow pneumatic pressing of whole grapes, followed by a twenty-four-hour settling at low temperature. The juices are then transferred to oak barrels for fermentation, with 30% new wood. Aging continues for twelve months on the lees, accompanied by bâtonnage until July, to develop the texture and aromatic depth of the Chardonnay. In this relatively cool vintage, this method combines the naturally structured matter of En Caradeux with a tighter expression, where the wood supports the wine without overpowering its origin.
The Pernand-Vergelesses Premier Cru En Caradeux 2024 is distinguished by a particularly precise profile, where the freshness of citrus meets the ripeness of white fruits. The nose evokes ripe lemon, fresh pear, and white flowers, accompanied by almond nuances and a discreet stony touch. On the palate, the attack is frank, supported by dynamic acidity that precedes a fuller body, delicately nourished by lees aging. The texture has more density than a Pernand-Vergelesses village wine but retains a slender line, characteristic of this premier cru. The finish stretches on citrus, with a saline sensation and a slight zesty bitterness that pleasantly prolong the tasting. Still young, this 2024 deserves a few years in the cellar to allow its structure to blossom and its aromatic nuances to gain depth. At the table, it will pair particularly well with sole meunière, roasted turbot, seared scallops, or farm-raised poultry with cream, while an aged Comté will make an interesting match after some years of aging.
Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
