World-renowned for harmonious and pure white wines, this Estate in Burgundy tends 18 hectares of vines around Pernand-Vergelesses, Savigny les Beaune, Aloxe Corton and Beaune.
Located between Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, their Pernand Vergelesses vineyard begins at the foot of the renowned Corton hill. This is in contrast to the vines near Pougets at an altitude of 300 metres. Its very name comes from the Latin podium meaning ‘small summit’.
Creating wonderful wines since 1765
This historic family estate began in 1765. The Rapet family still own a dated ‘tastevin‘ from that year. This is a small, shallow silver cup used by the French for tasting wine. Vincent Rapet is now in charge of its twenty hectares of vines. They encompass the villages of Pernand – Vergelesses, Savigny les Beaune, Aloxe Corton and Beaune. If you’re ever in the area, do pop in as the Rapets love to welcome visitors.
True savoir faire in Burgundy
This domain is meticulous in its care of its vines and working the soil. They follow the Burgundy tilling tradition of ridging, surface cultivation and ploughing between the vines. They work hard to allow the grapes to take advantage of every one of the sun’s rays. This involves stripping the leaves on the side facing the rising sun to let more light through.
Traditional methods are still used such as gathering grapes in small boxes to keep them intact. Drawing off the wine with bellows means that there is no need to use a pump. White wine grapes are fermented in barrels that are 30 per cent new oak. They are then aged for another twelve months before bottling.
By limiting the handling of the grapes and wine as much as possible, Domaine Rapet preserves the richness from the original fruit.