Domaine Etienne Delarche

Pernand-Vergelesses | Côte de Beaune | Burgundy

Burgundy from Domaine Delarche stands as an example of what great wine can and should be: both memorable and affordable. We first came across the family’s tiny cellars in Pernand-Vergelesses in the early 1990s, and honestly couldn’t believe what we tasted. Hidden away in this peaceful valley in the shadow of the noble hill of Corton was certainly the Côte de Beaune’s best-kept secret—gorgeous wines made by an honest family for prices that reminded of decades past.

Delarche Burgundy offers a clarity and purity of flavor that is endlessly captivating. Whites are creamy and concentrated, taking a cue from grand cru Corton-Charlemagne; reds are spicy and refined, delicious from the moment they’re bottled to years later, when you pop the cork on a perfectly cellared grand cru born, from vines planted by family hands.

Winemaker Etienne Delarche learned well from his winemaking father, Philippe, who sadly passed away early in 2007. Having completed his studies in Beaune as well as traveled the world to explore winemaking in other climates and cultures, Etienne in a few short years has transformed this modest family domaine into one of the Côte de Beaune’s top names.

FARMING & WINEMAKING

Vines are cared for as closely to organic principles as possible, but the estate is not certified. All grapes are harvested by hand.

For reds, Pinot Noir grapes are destemmed and fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. Wines are aged in French oak barrels, with no more than 30% new wood, for 12 to 15 months.

For whites, Chardonnay grapes are destemmed and pressed delicately in a horizontal, pneumatic press. Juice is fermented on indigenous yeasts in older French oak barrels; the estate’s Corton-Charlemagne is fermented and aged in new oak. All wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered.

WHITE WINES

Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc ‘Les Belles Filles'

Deeper into the “combe” or valley of Pernand you’ll find these “beautiful girls,” the vineyard of ‘Les Belles Filles.’ Facing north, this plot is one of Pernand’s coolest, resulting in a bracing, high-altitude-inspired white with verve and energy. Chablis meets the Côte de Beaune, with an extra helping of savory spice and pepper.

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Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc ‘Les Combottes’

The vineyard’s high perch above the petite village of Pernand delivers a chiseled, dazzling white Burgundy full of tension, peachy fruit and mineral energy.

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Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc 1er Cru ‘Sous Fretille’

A complex, full-bodied premier cru that faces south, enjoying the sun all day long; its white/gray marl soils reminds of grand cru Corton-Charlemagne.

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Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc 1er Cru ‘Creux de la Net’

A new vineyard for the family, ‘Creux’ sits high up on the slope at the forest line, not far from premier cru ‘Ile de Vergelesses.’ Here stony soils and cool winds deliver a white Burgundy of finesse and energy, richly citrus-lined and very savory.

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Chassagne-Montrachet Blanc 1er Cru 'Clos Saint-Jean'

A rare white from “sol rouge,” this premier cru ‘Clos Saint-Jean’ is sourced from grapes the estate purchases. Facing east at the top of the slope, ‘Clos Sain-Jean’ delivers a white Burgundy with a savory red-wine profile, with notes of red berries and yellow stone fruit, wonderfully mouth-filling and plush.

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Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru

The family’s few older vines sit at the top of the slope, delivering fruit that is balanced and complex, with a stony, high-altitude edge.

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RED WINES

Bourgogne Rouge 'La Garenne'

High in the hills above Pernand-Vergelesses and to the west you’ll find ‘La Garenne,’ a cool plot of older Pinot Noir vines that delivers a juicy, joyful rouge that will make your mouth water. Bright red cherres, licorice, baking spices.

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Pernand-Vergelesses Rouge ‘Les Boutières’ Vieilles Vignes

Winemaker Etienne Delarche selects only older-vine fruit (70 years or older) for this over-performing villages Pinot Noir, which is bordered by premier cru vineyards. Deeper soils translates to plusher, more savory and expressive black fruits.

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Pernand-Vergelesses Rouge 1er Cru ‘Les Vergelesses’

A bold and savory Burgundian Pinot Noir grown on Pernand’s most important slope, just a hop-skip from Savigny. Aromas of blackberry, licorice, violets — earthy, concentrated and yet also very refined.

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Pernand-Vergelesses Rouge 1er Cru ‘Ile de Vergelesses’

Perfectly exposed to the southeast, this walled vineyard sits high up on the slope, and with its pure limestone soils, delivers a more refined, layered and complex red Burgundy.

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Le Corton Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

The family’s few vines here too at the summit of the vineyard are also half a century old; Corton’s iron-rich soils are present in the wine’s structure and tangy finish.

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Corton-Renardes Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

Winemaker Etienne Delarche’s father planted these now 50-year old vines himself near the summit of the noble hill of Corton. Brooding and layered, with notes of licorice and peppery spice.

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Established: 1940s
Winemaker: Etienne Delarche
Region: France • Burgundy • Côte de Beaune • Pernand-Vergelesses
Vineyard size: 22 acres

PRACTICING SUSTAINABLE FARMING