Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru 'Les Vercots'

Les Vercots occupies the northern reaches of the Aloxe-Corton appellation, positioned as one of the first Premier Cru vineyards a traveler encounters when approaching the Pernand-Vergelesses valley. The site sits between 200 and 300 meters elevation on an east-facing slope, placing it in the cooler, less sun-drenched portion of the Aloxe-Corton Premier Cru band. This orientation means morning sun exposure and a cooler overall ripening trajectory compared to south-facing counterparts on the Corton hill.

• Elevation range: 200-300 meters, east-facing aspect
• Northern boundary of the Aloxe-Corton Premier Cru zone
• Gateway position approaching the Pernand-Vergelesses valley
• Part of the Aloxe-Corton appellation, Côte de Beaune

The soils at Les Vercots are characterised by a deep clay layer underlain by limestone, a combination that drives both the vineyard's water retention capacity and its mineral character. The deep clay gives the wines a fuller texture and firmer tannic structure compared to lighter, more limestone-dominant sites. The cool continental climate of the Côte de Beaune, combined with the east-facing aspect, produces a longer, slower ripening season. This extended hang time builds phenolic complexity while preserving the natural acidity that underpins the wine's ageing potential.

• Deep clay layer over limestone subsoil
• Clay promotes water retention and contributes to firm tannin structure
• Cool continental climate with east-facing aspect extends the ripening window
• High natural acidity supports long-term cellaring

Les Vercots produces Pinot Noir that leans toward the structured, mineral end of the Aloxe-Corton spectrum. The deep clay soils produce wines with considerable body and firm tannins, setting them apart from the more immediately approachable styles found elsewhere on the Côte de Beaune. Mineral tension runs through the palate alongside dark fruit and earthy notes, and the wines carry enough acidity and tannin to develop meaningfully over a decade or more in bottle. These are not wines for early drinking; they reward patience and benefit from proper cellaring conditions.

• Full-bodied Pinot Noir with firm tannin structure
• Mineral-driven character reflecting the limestone subsoil
• Dark fruit and earthy complexity typical of Aloxe-Corton
• Built for cellaring; best assessed after several years of bottle age

Several well-regarded Côte de Beaune domaines hold plots in Les Vercots. Domaine Tollot-Beaut is among the most recognised names in Aloxe-Corton and brings consistency to the site. Domaine Follin-Arbelet and Domaine Dubreuil-Fontaine are established family producers with deep roots in the appellation. Domaine Antonin Guyon operates across multiple Côte de Beaune appellations and maintains a presence here, while Domaine François Mikulski rounds out the roster with a respected negociant and domaine operation based in Meursault. Together these producers represent a reliable cross-section of classical Burgundy winemaking approaches applied to this site.

• Domaine Tollot-Beaut: a benchmark Aloxe-Corton producer
• Domaine Follin-Arbelet: family estate with strong appellation focus
• Domaine Dubreuil-Fontaine: historic Pernand-Vergelesses family domaine
• Domaine Antonin Guyon: broad Côte de Beaune portfolio
• Domaine François Mikulski: Meursault-based producer with Premier Cru presence