2020 Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc 1er Cru Sous Frétille, Domaine Pavelot

There have been Pavelots tending vines in Pernand since the 17th century, so village records tell us. Today, the 9.5 hectare estate is run by sister and brother Lise & Luc Pavelot, following in the footsteps of father Régis and grandfather Maurice. Most of their vines are in their home village of Pernand-Vergelesses, where they make magnificent First Growths, both white and red, as well as brilliant Corton-Charlemagne, not to mention cutting edge regional, and village level, bottlings. The Domaine has been certified organic since 2009, but no chemical weed-killers had been used for many years, prior to that. The soils are tilled by plough, and manually, with occasional, green cover crops, and green-harvesting of grapes, if necessary. Organic composts are the only fertiliser. Harvesting is by hand, and this is one of the few Domaines in Burgundy where the grapes are gently carried in traditional, wicker shoulder-baskets down the rows. The philosophy of the Domaine may be summarised as a constant reflection on how to ensure the health of their soils - and hence their vines and wines - with respect for the plant and human environment.