Region: Beaune, Burgundy, France

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir

Producer: Paul Pernot is one of those Burgundy producers sommeliers quietly nerd out over. Best known for pristine, age-worthy whites in Puligny-Montrachet, the Pernot family applies that same precision and restraint to their red Burgundies — and Clos du Dessus des Marconnets is a perfect example. This small, enclosed parcel sits just above Beaune’s famous premier cru Marconnets vineyard, giving the wine both pedigree and a slightly under-the-radar appeal. It’s classic Burgundy without the ego — all about site, finesse, and balance.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The vineyard lies on gently sloping terrain with limestone-rich soils that Pinot Noir loves, delivering lift and transparency rather than brute force. Farming is meticulous and hands-on, with an emphasis on healthy soils and low yields. In the cellar, Pernot keeps things traditional and measured: careful extraction, native fermentations, and aging in French oak with only a modest percentage of new barrels. The goal isn’t power — it’s clarity. Every decision is about letting Beaune speak in a calm, confident voice.

Tasting Notes: This is Pinot Noir that whispers instead of shouts. Red cherry, wild strawberry, and raspberry glide out of the glass, followed by rose petal, subtle spice, and that unmistakable Burgundian earthiness. The palate is silky and poised, with fine-grained tannins and a mineral thread that keeps everything fresh and precise. It’s elegant, food-loving, and dangerously easy to drink now — but structured enough to reward a little patience if you can resist.