2008 Pernand Vergelesses Blanc Sylvain Loichet

The Loichets come from Comblanchien at the southern end of the Côte de Nuits, where Sylvain’s father is involved in the marble quarrying business. Indeed the two previous generations of Loichets have been stone masons rather than vignerons, though they retained ownership of the vineyards which Sylvain now exploits. In

2009 Sylvain moved into wonderful new premises in Chorey-lès-Beaune where the wines can mature gracefully in a cool deep cellar. As well as the grapes from his own vines in Côtes de Nuits Villages, Ladoix and Clos de Vougeot, young Sylvain also makes some classy white wines from purchased grapes. One such is from a lovely vineyard in Pernand-Vergelesses, Les Belles Filles, on a steep east-facing slope, under the brow of the forest and just across the way from grand cru Corton-Charlemagne.

The wine is clean and fresh with soft notes of pear and apple and a touch of apricot. Dry on the palate with crisp acidity and a medium body. Some toasty, creamy notes on the palate with a whiff of fragrant vanilla and more soft ripe pear notes. A touch of hazelnut too. Integrated alcohol and long finish. Delicate enough to match to light chicken dishes. Also perfect as an elegant aperitif.