The Domaine Dubreuil-Fontaine was founded in 1879, and so is now quickly approaching its 150th anniversary. The estate has always been in the heart of Pernand-Vergelesses, an ancient town that sits just behind the hill of Corton (viewed from the main highway) and is the only village in the Côte d’Or to have both red and white wines in villages, Premier, and Grand Cru appellations. Fifth generation winemaker Christine Dubreuil has been at the helm for over two decades, and since 2019 has been joined by her daughter Clémentine. This female led team is making some of the most regal, elegant, and terroir transparent wines in the Côte de Beaune, and as an added bonus they remain excellent values.
“Sous Fretille” is a darling of Burgundy insiders. This Premier Cru sits just below the Corton Grand Crus, and shares many of the same qualities as its upslope siblings. Indeed, given warming temperatures “Sous Fretille” can now produce wines that have similar depth and power as the “Charly”–for which you’ll pay much more. Serve at around 50 degrees in Burgundy bowls and you’ll get up front fruit–yellow apple, nectarine, lemon curd–that is followed by notes of marzipan, hazelnut, wildflower honey, and wet rocks. The finish is long and persistent, with lots of saline minerals. Serve with shellfish or any seafood that stands up to a rich sauce. Less than 200 cases of this gem were made!