Sommelier’s Selection March edition

The estate is now managed by Dominique Guyon, Antonin’s son, who continues to work with the same passion and precision. Together with his team and renowned oenologist Kyriakos Kynigopoulos, he oversees every detail of the viticulture and vinification process. Since 2018, the estate has been organically certified, respecting the soil, plants, and nature. Domaine Antonin Guyon’s vineyards stretch from Gevrey-Chambertin in the Côte de Nuits to Meursault in the Côte de Beaune. This diversity gives the estate an exceptionally broad range of wines—from refined, minerally Chardonnays to complex and structured Pinot Noirs. The terroir ranges from chalky marl soils to stony slopes, often with old vines that provide depth and power. The grapes are hand-harvested, carefully sorted, and traditionally vinified, followed by aging in French oak barrels that adds finesse and length without overpowering the purity of the fruit. The estate is known for its classic Burgundian style: wines with elegance, balance, and longevity. A beautiful example is the Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru “Sous Frétille,” a white wine from old Chardonnay vines on a steep slope with marl soil. The wine combines floral notes with citrus, hazelnut, and mineral freshness, rounded out by subtle oak influences. Elegant and vibrant, with aging potential of 8 to 10 years.

Location

Pernand-Vergelesses is located north of Beaune, situated between Aloxe-Corton and Savigny-lès-Beaune.

Surface Area

The Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Sous Frétille vineyard of Domaine Guyon covers nearly 1 hectare and benefits from excellent exposure on a steep slope.

Soil and Grape Variety

Soil: white marl
Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
Average age of the vines: 45 years

Harvest and Vinification

The grapes are harvested by hand, transported to the winery in small crates, and carefully sorted. Alcoholic fermentation takes place at 18–20°C in oak barrels. The lees are stirred once a week (bâtonnage).

Aging

The wine matures in oak barrels with weekly bâtonnage and is bottled at the estate after 12 months.

Character

Brilliant color with green reflections, floral aromas, and a refined nose with notes of hazelnut. An elegant, mineral wine with great finesse and freshness, complemented by citrus accents. The wine is ready to drink now and has an aging potential of approximately 8 years.

Serving Suggestion

Serve at around 13°C. Excellent with sushi, seafood, prepared fish dishes, and white meats. Due to its fresh character, it is also wonderful as an aperitif, potentially as an alternative to champagne.

In 1985, Régine Sumeire created an iconic rosé there: Pétale de Rose. This salmon-pink wine was created by gently pressing Grenache grapes using a Champenoise press. The result was a rosé with an exceptionally refined color and remarkable length on the palate.
The rosés from Château la Tour de l’Évêque have since proven themselves time and again to be of absolute top quality, a fact underscored by numerous rave reviews.
In 2023, Pétale de Rose was even named the best Provence rosé. Today, the Château operates entirely organically, and in many plots, also according to biodynamic principles.
In addition to its renowned rosé wines, Château la Tour de l’Évêque also produces impressive red wines. The most prestigious of these is the Noir & Or, a cuvée in which Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon complement each other. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully selected. After a short maceration and fermentation, the wine is aged for thirteen months in French oak barrels and concrete amphorae. This careful maturation gives the wine structure and refinement, without losing the pure character of the fruit.
The Noir & Or is distinguished by its deep ruby ​​red color and complex aromas of black cherry, blackberry, licorice, and a hint of violet. On the palate, it is powerful yet silky smooth, with spicy pepper notes, fresh menthol accents, and elegant, ripe tannins. The finish is long, full, and refined.

Location

This wine originates from Côtes de Provence in southeastern France, around Pierrefeu-du-Var. The Château La Tour de l’Évêque estate is situated in a classic Provençal terroir with limestone and schist soils, surrounded by the Maures hills. Owned by the Sumeire family since the mid-20th century, the estate operates with deep respect for nature and terroir.

Surface Area & Soil

The estate is certified organic and follows biodynamic principles, utilizing manual harvesting and careful soil management. The soil consists of gray schist mixed with chalky clay, contributing to the complexity and minerality of the wines.

Grape Varieties

This cuvée is a blend of: 94% Syrah and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Harvest & Vinification

The grapes are harvested by hand and selected for optimal ripeness. Fermentation focuses on maximum fruit extraction and elegance, followed by maceration for approximately 10 days. After malolactic fermentation, the wine ages for about 13 months in a combination of French oak barrels and concrete amphorae, allowing the structure and aromas to develop harmoniously.

Character & Flavor Profile

Color: deep ruby red tones.
Nose: intense and ripe, with aromas of dark fruit (Morello cherry, blackberry), herbs, licorice, and spices such as black pepper.
Mouthfeel: rich and refined, with a velvety texture, elegant tannins, and a combination of ripe black fruit, balsamic hints, and subtle spiciness.
Structure: balanced, with enough grip to complement gastronomic dishes, yet charming enough to be enjoyed on its own.

Serving Suggestion

Serve at approximately 16–18°C. This wine pairs excellently with grilled red meat, lamb, game, rich stews, and characterful cheeses.

Aging Potential

While already approachable, this wine will develop well over the next 3–6 years and can be enjoyed for up to 10–12 years when stored under proper conditions.