NV Rosé Perpetual

Luc Prieur was just 22 years old when he took over the family winery in Verdigny. The village reminds me a little of Pernand-Vergelesses, in that it sits behind the most famous hill in the area - the Monts Damnés - and is much less well-known than Chavignol. However, Prieur is keen to show that Verdigny’s terroir is as exciting as its neighbor’s. Of the domaine’s 19 hectares, 14 are of Sauvignon Blanc and 5 are of Pinot Noir. The soils are predominantly limestone/clay based. The Pieuchaud cuvée comes from vines sitting in the east of the appellation where flint dominates giving a direct, almost spicy style to the 2021, which was reminiscent of a Grüner Veltliner. The earlier drinking Sancerre Blanc focuses on purity and freshness and is produced in steel tanks, while the best whites, including the Monts Damnés, are made in large wooden tanks. The Monts Damnés offers concentration and a full attack while narrowing in the mouth akin to a pyramid. In 2021, the Monts Damnés shows excellent balance despite the cooler season. The most limited production bottling is La Pitaude, from a vineyard affected by fanleaf virus, leading to low yields, high concentration and high acidity. However, the Monts Damnés tends to have the edge in the current range. Having trained in Beaune, Luc Prieur is also focused on Pinot Noir, which offers delightfully chalky tannins and line.