Domaine Bertagna Vougeot Le Village 2020

Domaine Bertagna is back, and if you’ve been frozen in cryostasis these past several weeks – do not miss out on a chance to score from this top-ranking Burgundy domaine. They’ve been on quite the run with us here at First Bottle – and these 5+ cases of their Vougeot “Le Village” rouge are sure to fly. We have this at by far and away the best price in the country but it won’t be around long!

Domaine Bertagna is a historic Burgundy producer that once belonged to the Cistercian monks, who founded nearby Clos de Vougeot back in the 13th century. Though based in Vougeot, they focus on red grapes throughout 18 different climates in Burgundy, five of which are Grand Cru, and seven of which are Premier Cru – as well as a handful of prized local lieu dits like this hidden gem that literally grows right behind their winery.

The soil here is a blend of limestone, marl, and mineral-rich clay – situated just below the actual village of Vougeot. Being so close to the property means it is quite convenient to give this special site plenty of attention, and the vineyard has thrived as a result, consistently performing far above and beyond your typical “village-level” plot. As such, collectors have gobbled this bottling up with fervor in recent vintages – serving almost as a savvy man’s “Clos de Vougeot” replacement – nearly as delectable and age-worthy, at a fraction of the cost!

Manual harvest, green-dropping to control yields and intensify flavors, and hand-sorting in both the vineyard and again at the winery are just a few of the methods used to produce such a staggering result. Cold soaked for several days after harvest, followed by a cool fermentation driven by native yeasts, yields an elegant and pristine red Burgundy that supremely balances red berry exuberance with complex and earthy undertones that result in a noticeable tension and complex harmony of this youthful pinot noir. Red cherries, and red currants, with hints of lilac, lead into grounded notes of wild fennel, and summer truffles, with accents of toasted sesame and cumin. The wine is structured yet silky, with 18 months in one-third new French oak lending polish and class, and ensuring no rough edges are to be found. For Under $70 – this is a fantastic find – but as I mentioned before, only 5+ cases available! Make a couple yours today and showcase these over the next decade with joy!

PAIRING IDEAS: I’m thinking a little duck leg confit for the win here. Flavor the confit with garlic, anise seed, and rosemary, and once it’s fall apart tender, remove from the fat and crisp up quickly in a hot oven. Serve over roasted carrots, turnips, and parsnips, with a drizzle of herb oil and a squeeze of lemon and you are all set!