VOUGEOT BLANC 1er CRU LES CRAS

Background

The historic Domaine Bertagna once belonged to the Cistercian monks, famous for founding the Clos de Vougeot in the 13th century. The estate’s cellars and vineyards are located in the heart of the village nearby the Château and its ancient Chapter House. The winery has been owned by the world-renowned Reh family since 1985 and is managed by Eva Reh-Siddle. With 18 wonderfully diverse appellations across the region, 12 of which are Premier and Grand Crus, Bertagna is among the top ranking Domaines in Burgundy. A desire for perfection and emphasis on quality, coupled with significant investments in technology and vineyard management, result in some of the region’s most compelling wines. Domaine Bertagna is perhaps best known for its elegant, silky red wines, but it also produces one of the world’s rarest white wines – Vougeot 1er Cru Blanc “Les Cras” from the Côtes de Nuits.

Winemaking

The vineyards are rocky limestone soils with some mineral clay located just north of Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru. Rigorous pruning in the spring is followed by green harvest at veraison to limit yields. After sorting during picking, the grapes are sorted again at the winery before a whole cluster pneumatic pressing. The lees settle out, and the wine is drained directly into oak barrels (25% new) for alcoholic and malolactic fermentations. The wine ages for 12 to 15 months in barrel before bottling.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of candied fruit and honey with a buttered and mineral bouquet. The wine is well-balanced and round in the mouth showing good density and superb freshness. This wine is excellent with cheeses such as brie, gruyere, and parmesan. Also pairs nicely with chicken, salmon, lobster, and caramelized onions, and spicy cuisines.