Winemaker Etienne Delarche selects only older-vine fruit (70 years or older) for this over-performing, Villages level Pinot Noir, which is bordered by premier cru vineyards. Deeper soils mean plush, savory fruit.

It’s easy to miss the petite hamlet of Pernand-Vergelesses, hiding behind the bulk of the noble Corton hill. Yet this Côte de Beaune village, with its impeccable vineyards, is a treasure trove of refined Burgundy wines. For more than three generations, the Delarche family has crafted authentic, earthy, and expressive Burgundy in Pernand, much under the radar of the Burgundy cognoscenti. Yet Delarche Burgundy offers clarity and purity of flavor that is captivating; reds like this that are spicy and refined, seductive from the moment they’re bottled yet able to age effortlessly for years.

Bordering Savigny, ‘Boutières’ faces southeast, at the bottom of the slope, touching premier crus ‘Vergelesses’ and ‘Les Fichots.’ Soils are deep and clay-rich. The average vine age is 70+ years. The vineyard is hand-harvested. Destemmed; fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged in older French barrels (10% new) for one year, bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Aromas of black fruits, licorice, earth, light pepper. Juicy and fleshy, with good energy; bramble fruit, violet candy. Pairing suggestions are charcuterie; grilled pork sausages; French cheeses from Burgundy like Comté.