Wines Pernand-Vergelesses Olivier Leflaive - Sous Frétille - 2020

Viniou Reviews

The 2020 Pernand-Vergelesses “Sous Frétille” Premier Cru from Olivier Leflaive is an exquisite white Burgundy crafted entirely from Chardonnay. The grapes are sourced from the highly regarded Sous Frétille parcel, situated on the steep slopes above the village of Pernand-Vergelesses. The 2020 vintage is marked by a solar character—a warm year yielding ripe, expressive fruit balanced by the freshness typical of this appellation. Meticulous hand-harvesting and gentle pressing are followed by fermentation and ageing in French oak barrels, of which a proportion are new, lending subtle hints of vanilla and toast without overpowering the wine’s mineral core.

La Côte de Beaune, at the heart of Burgundy, is celebrated for producing exceptional whites, most famously from Chardonnay. Pernand-Vergelesses is distinct for its hillside vineyards, predominantly composed of marl and limestone, which are ideal for expressive whites with tension and complexity. The region’s cool yet moderate climate slows grape maturation, allowing nuances of fruit and minerality to flourish. A tradition of precise, terroir-driven viticulture and centuries of expertise infuse these wines with history and a profound sense of place.

A wine of this calibre calls for refined food matches. Its precise acidity and textured palate make it an ideal companion for dishes such as seared scallops, grilled turbot, or roast chicken with morel mushrooms and cream. The mineral drive also highlights regional pairings like oeufs en meurette with white wine sauce or Comté cheese matured for 18 months. For a lighter touch, warm white asparagus with a beurre blanc is stunning.

Serve this Pernand-Vergelesses Premier Cru chilled but not too cold, ideally between 11 and 13°C. Allowing it to breathe in the glass will reveal evolving layers of citrus, white peach, hazelnut, and the distinctive flinty minerality that marks great Côte de Beaune Chardonnay. This wine will develop further complexity over the next five to seven years if cellared under optimal conditions.