Vincent Girardin : Meursault 1er cru "Les Genevrières" 2023

A Great White Burgundy by Vincent Girardin

The Estate

Founded in 1980 by a nineteen-year-old winemaker from a long line of family vintners, the House of Vincent Girardin has established itself as an unmissable reference in Burgundy. Initially covering just two hectares, the estate expanded and settled in Meursault in 2001. A pioneer, it turned to biodynamics as early as 1997, earning Demeter certification in 2011. Since 2012, the estate has belonged to the Compagnie des Vins d'Autrefois, headed by Jean-Pierre Nié. The original excellence and philosophy live on thanks to the talent of technical director and winemaker Éric Germain, who continues the tradition of crafting great terroir wines.

The Vineyard

This wine comes from the prestigious climat "Les Genevrières", located in the southern part of the Meursault appellation. The vines, roughly sixty years old, benefit from a beautiful south and south-southwest exposure. They thrive on shallow Jurassic-era soils, made up of a homogeneous blend of clay and limestone enriched with white marl. This singular terroir, cultivated according to strict biodynamic principles with deep ploughing and no chemical inputs whatsoever, gives the grapes remarkable minerality and complexity.

The Vintage

2023 was marked by particularly unpredictable weather. After a mild winter, spring proved unstable, bringing frost risks and fluctuating temperatures. The summer season then alternated between intense heatwaves, cooler spells and stormy episodes. Despite these climatic challenges, the growing cycle resulted in generous yields and grapes of optimal ripeness, harvested early starting on the first of September.

Winemaking and Aging

Following hand-harvesting and meticulous sorting, the grapes for this Meursault 1er Cru "Les Genevrières" 2023 are gently pressed using a pneumatic press for slow extraction. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation begin naturally thanks to indigenous yeasts and bacteria. The wine is then aged on fine lees for eighteen months in French oak barrels, 15% of which are new, without any lees stirring. One month before bottling, which follows the lunar calendar, the wines are blended in stainless steel tanks and lightly filtered.

Grape Variety

Chardonnay (100%)

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for the Meursault 1er Cru "Les Genevrières" 2023 by Vincent Girardin

Tasting

Colour
The colour reveals a brilliant pale yellow, enhanced by subtle golden hues.

Nose
Wonderfully complex, the nose exudes luscious aromas of almond, hazelnut and acacia honey, harmoniously blended with toasted bread notes. Delicate spicy touches and roasted dried fruit further enrich this refined bouquet.

Palate
Full-bodied and generous, the palate seduces with its structured framework and vibrant freshness, carried by a long, intense acidity. Citrus and vanilla flavours intertwine with elegance, leading to a lingering finish marked by delicate notes of almond paste.

Food and Wine Pairing

This great white wine pairs beautifully with rich seafood such as lobster or crayfish, as well as with poultry or veal served in a creamy sauce. It also enhances foie gras, snails in parsley butter, or characterful cheeses such as an aged Comté, an Époisses or blue-veined cheeses.

Service and Storage

This Meursault 1er Cru "Les Genevrières" 2023 can be enjoyed after a few years in the cellar, but it boasts remarkable aging potential, allowing it to evolve until around 2035.