Pernand-Vergelesses, Maison Skyaasen 2020

Maison Skyaasen is a micro-négoce project Joachim and Olivia Skyaasen in Mersault, Burgundy. Wine became a hobby for Joachim in the late 2000s, and whilst he was exposed to many wines from all over, he developed a particular affinity for the traditions, culture and history of Burgundy.  

Following a few trips as a tourist and closely following the burgeoning scene of young negoce winemakers he made the decision to go do a harvest in 2017 with local producer Nick Harbour, an experience that would end up completely changing the course of his and his family's life. This set in motion a series of events that involved leaving his previous career in finance, moving to Burgundy, enrolling in viticulture and oenology school, getting employed by biodynamic estate Chandon de Briailles, and of course the start of his own winemaking journey. His first vintage was 2017 producing only one barrel of Savigny-Les-Beaune and slowly expanded in 2019 with the addition of other village appellations. 

Joachim's progression as a winemaker is absolutely astounding and incredibly impressive when tasting across these three vintages. He very quickly realised the style of wine he wanted to create and from his second vintage, he moved to work with mainly whole cluster vinifications, very gentle extractions, no sulphite additions, and no corrections, fining or filtration. 

His wines are an absolute standout despite the relative youth of his project and we are honoured to bring these wines on board at such an early stage. 

The Chardonnay for this wine comes from two ’villages’ vineyards in Pernand-
Vergelesses. They are both situated at the very top of a slope near the forest line,
meaning shallower soils, and more limestone influence. One of the parcels is within a 1er cru vineyard but just above the middle of the slope so just outside the 1er cru designated area. Arguably it has had favourable conditions in the recent hotter years as it’s a touch cooler at the top.

Producer Maison Skyaasen 

Origin Mersault, Burgundy, France

Grapes Chardonnay

Vintage 2020

Alcohol  12% ABV

Style Medium body white

Bottle size 750ml

Winemaking Manual harvested, direct press gravity fed into 228L barrels where fermentation starts naturally. The wine stays unracked on lees for 1 year. No battonage, just a gentle lees stiring during this year. Bottled unfiltred, unfined and with a small sulphite addition

Notes Organic, Natural