Romauld Valot Pernand-Vergelesses Les Fichots Premier Cru 2021

If you’ve tasted any of the Romuald Valot wines we’ve featured thus far – you know this is a producer to watch! 93 points for Premier Cru Burgundy...at our fantastic price of under $50? Can’t beat that!

Romuald Valot is undoubtedly one of the best off-the-radar finds in Burgundy today, and this plot of Les Fichots is one of the most historic and preeminent plots in the Côte de Beaune. To have both in a single botting, at the exceptional price you can only find here at First Bottle – makes this an offer that will surely disappear quickly. Romuald was born the son of a vigneron in a long line of vignerons that came before, all focused on Burgundy. And yet, growing up – working for the big houses of Burgundy, in those famed Grand Cru vineyards – he turned away from wine after becoming jaded with what went on behind the scenes – the manipulation, the chemical treatments, the fining and filtering, etc. His vision of the “one man and a field” approach utilized by his ancestors had been replaced by a barrage of commercial farming practices – and the notion of terroir was lost in his mind. He couldn’t afford to buy his own parcel, which meant he couldn’t make the wines he wanted. So he packed up and moved to Beaujolais – where the dream he envisioned could still be sought. His status grew, wine by wine, plot by plot – becoming revered as a vigneron with a knack for capturing the spirit of his vines in liquid form. As his following grew, and his business stabilized – he began planning his return to Burgundy.

Like the prodigal son, he has returned – and carefully selected vineyards with pedigree and character are his renewed focus. His vision of showcasing the very best expressions of the land – farming them organically with great care – has led to wines worthy of greater discussion. And more frequent sipping – as we fully intend to do here!

Les Fichots is one of the original five Premier Cru vineyards in Pernand-Vergelesses – set in the shadow of the imposing Grand Cru hill of Corton – and growing vines on those very same limestone soils. Placed just below the revered climat of En Charlemagne, this site is focused on pinot noir, as the flatter slope receives plenty of sunshine to ripen the grape. This was particularly important in the challenging 2021 vintage – where Pernand-Vergelesses crafted wines that were far more approachable and energetic than many others in the Côte de Beaune. This particular beauty is stunningly fresh, bright and lean, and loaded with red currants, red cherries, and cranberries, and accented with light herbal notes of lavender and rosemary. It’s highly drinkable, and delivers far above its price point! This is drink-me-now Burgundy at its finest – plenty of life to stretch out over the next couple years – but the reward is popping this here, early and often, to enjoy one of my favorite Red Burgundy's tasted this year!

PAIRING IDEAS: The season is drawing to a close – but salmon, corn, and tomatoes are my go-to for this bright and energetic pinot. Pan-seared, with that crispy skin, and then set on a puree of roasted corn with a bit of sour cream, and a little medley of tomatoes, roasted corn, and red onions dressed in olive oil and red wine vinegar. Yum.