Domaine Aurelie Berthod Pernand Rouge 2018

Domaine Aurélie Berthod Pernand Rouge 2018 is a finely etched red Burgundy that captures the pure, elegant side of Pinot Noir from the hills around Pernand-Vergelesses. This is a wine for those who appreciate precision, freshness and a clear expression of place over heavy oak or extraction. Crafted in small quantities by a rising star in the Côte de Beaune, it offers serious Burgundian character at a still-approachable level. The 2018 vintage brought ripe, generous fruit, which Aurélie has balanced with a light touch in the cellar to preserve lift and finesse. Coming from limestone-clay slopes that look towards the famous Corton hill, this cuvée stands out for its tension and energy, while still delivering the charming red-fruited profile that makes Burgundy so beloved. Though the domaine is young, its wines have already earned top rankings in blind tastings and medals in respected French competitions, signalling a producer to watch.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the Pernand Rouge 2018 shows a bright, translucent ruby hue with garnet reflections forming at the rim, typical of a classic Côte de Beaune Pinot Noir. The nose is articulate and refined: wild strawberry, red cherry and raspberry coulis are layered with rose petals, violets and a hint of cranberry, supported by subtle notes of crushed chalk, light spice and a touch of forest floor as it opens. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and wonderfully poised, with fresh acidity and fine, powdery tannins giving structure without weight. The core is driven by pure red berries and redcurrant, joined by pomegranate, a suggestion of blood orange zest and a faint savoury edge—think dried herbs and a whisper of undergrowth. Oak influence, if present, is discreet and well-integrated, serving only to frame the fruit rather than dominate it. The finish is long, saline and mouth-watering, with a delicate mineral backbone that invites another sip. Enjoyable now with a short aeration, it has the balance to evolve gracefully for another 5–8 years from vintage, developing more earthy and truffley nuances over time.

Production
The fruit for Domaine Aurélie Berthod Pernand Rouge 2018 comes from vineyards around Pernand-Vergelesses, an appellation tucked into the cooler, undulating slopes near the Corton hill in the Côte de Beaune. Here, Pinot Noir grows on well-drained limestone and marl with pockets of clay, giving naturally modest yields, vibrant acidity and a distinct, stony minerality. Harvesting is typically done by hand to allow for strict selection of bunches in the vineyard and at the winery, ensuring only healthy, optimally ripe grapes are used. In the cellar, Aurélie favours a Burgundian approach that respects the character of the fruit: gentle destemming (sometimes retaining a portion of whole clusters, depending on the vintage), a cool prefermentation maceration to draw out aroma and colour, followed by a controlled fermentation in small tanks. Pump-overs or punch-downs are carried out with restraint to avoid over-extraction. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels—often with a limited proportion of new oak—to round the tannins and add subtle complexity, before being bottled with minimal intervention to preserve freshness and terroir expression.

Food & Serving
This Pernand Rouge 2018 is a versatile food wine that shines with dishes that mirror its finesse. Think classic Burgundian pairings such as coq au vin, roast chicken with herbs, duck breast, or a simple entrecôte with shallot butter. It also pairs beautifully with veal, pork tenderloin, mushroom risottos, grilled salmon or tuna, and earthy vegetable dishes featuring beetroot, lentils or roasted root vegetables. A selection of semi-soft cheeses like Reblochon, Tomme or mild Comté will also work very well. Serve at 14–16°C (57–60°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and fresh structure. A brief decant of 30 minutes can help the wine open up, especially in its youth, but it can also be enjoyed simply by pouring into large Burgundy stems and giving it time to unfold in the glass.

Producer
Domaine Aurélie Berthod is a relatively young estate with a modern, dynamic spirit firmly rooted in Burgundian tradition. After initially pursuing a career in business and marketing, with studies in Dijon and Granada, Aurélie returned to Burgundy in the late 2000s and immersed herself in her husband’s family winery, learning the practical realities of viticulture and estate management. In 2017 she seized the opportunity to purchase 5.5 hectares of vineyards across Pernand-Vergelesses, Chorey-lès-Beaune and Beaune, founding her own domaine under her name. From her very first vintage, her wines attracted attention in France, earning top rankings in blind tastings, major distinctions at the Tastevinage at Château du Clos de Vougeot, gold medals at the FEMINALISE competition, and stars in the influential Guide Hachette des Vins. In a region steeped in history, Domaine Aurélie Berthod stands out as a new, quality-focused voice in the Côte de Beaune, crafting precise, terroir-driven wines that reflect both the heritage of Burgundy and a fresh, contemporary perspective.

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