Domaine Follin-Arbelet, 'Les Fichots' Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru, Burgundy, France 2022

Based in the village of Aloxe-Corton, Domaine Follin-Arbelet is a family estate that quietly produces some of the Côte de Beaune’s most classically styled wines. Under the direction of Frank Follin, the domaine farms small parcels across Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses, and Corton-Charlemagne, combining traditional methods with minimal intervention to highlight the nuance of each site. The wines are known for their balance of power, finesse, and age-worthy structure.

• WINEMAKER: Frank Follin-Arbelet

• FARMING: Practicing Organic; low yields and hand-harvested fruit

• VARIETY: 100% Pinot Noir 

• TERROIR: The Premier Cru vineyard Les Fichots lies on the lower slopes of Pernand-Vergelesses, facing east and southeast, with limestone-clay soils rich in iron oxide. The site produces structured, mineral-driven wines that bridge the finesse of Beaune with the depth of Corton.

• VINIFICATION: Traditional Burgundian methods with full destemming; cold maceration followed by fermentation in open vats using native yeasts; gentle extraction through remontage and pigeage

• AGING: Aged 14–18 months in French oak barrels (approximately 25% new), then bottled unfined and unfiltered

• TASTING NOTES: Deep ruby color with aromas of black cherry, plum, and violet accented by hints of spice and earth. The palate shows fine-grained tannins, lively acidity, and a mineral edge that carries through a long, savory finish. A poised and elegant expression of Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Duck breast with cherry sauce, coq au vin, mushroom risotto, or roasted root vegetables.

• SCORES: 92 – Wine Advocate; 91 – Burghound