Domaine Rapet - Pernand-Vergelesses Les Combottes 2024
In Pernand-Vergelesses, at the foot of the famous Corton hill, Domaine Rapet continues a family history dating back to the 18th century. A wine taster's record from 1765, carefully preserved by the family, attests to this deep-rooted connection in one of the historic villages of the Côte de Beaune. Today, Vincent and Sylvette Rapet manage a vineyard of about twenty hectares, spread notably between Pernand-Vergelesses, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Aloxe-Corton, and Beaune. Among their various cuvées, Les Combottes has a personality closely linked to its geographical location, on the heights of the village. The vineyard occupies a steep southwest-facing slope, whose white and marly soils offer Chardonnay a particularly interesting environment. Here, the slope, altitude, and limestone nature of the soils contribute to shaping whites that combine fruit ripeness, freshness, and fine texture. The estate favors reasoned viticulture and precise vinifications, respecting this Burgundian identity.
The Pernand-Vergelesses Les Combottes comes from the Les Plantes des Champs and Combottes climat, whose name evokes the hilly relief of this particularly steep plot. Replanted in the early 2000s, the vines root in relatively light white marl soils, where limestone formations contribute to the wine's character. The steep slope requires a particular vineyard organization, with short rows and ditches designed to limit erosion. The 2024 vintage, marked in Burgundy by cool and wet weather, demanded constant attention to the vines and rigorous grape selection. After manual harvesting, whole clusters are transported in small crates then gently pressed in a pneumatic press. The juices benefit from low-temperature settling before fermentation in oak barrels, followed by aging on fine lees with bâtonnage until July. Bottling occurs after about twelve months of aging, a maturation that helps develop the Chardonnay's texture while preserving its natural freshness.
Les Combottes 2024 fits into a style where liveliness and aromatic delicacy play an essential role. Its pale yellow robe with golden reflections precedes a bouquet that should evoke fresh apple, pear, white flowers, and citrus, accompanied by discreet spicy nuances. On the palate, the attack is marked by frank freshness, gradually enveloped by a fuller body, nourished by lees aging. The relatively fresh character of the vintage should favor a slender expression, in which fruit ripeness retains all its precision. The finish promises a pleasant persistence, with citrus notes and a slight chalky sensation, while a few years of aging may reveal nuances of honey and gunflint. At the table, this Burgundian white will pair particularly well with roasted langoustines, a sole fillet with beurre blanc, seared scallops, or delicately creamy farm poultry. A melting goat cheese or a lightly aged chaource will also highlight its freshness and texture.
Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
