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It is no secret, and widely documented here, that I am a big fan of Burgundy. If I could drink nothing but white and red Burgundy, I’d be a happy lad. There is a lot to know when it comes to Burgundy, but once you’ve done the hard work the rewards are well worth it.
Vincent Girardin is a special kind of winemaker in Burgundy. He focuses on a lot of the lesser known regions of the Cote d’Or, likely due to his Sentenay roots, although throughout the portfolio of wines there is a smattering of Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines from the Montrachets, Meursault and the Cote du Nuits.
Today, the domain owns around 54 acres of vineyards, mostly throughout the Cote du Beaune, but also buys in fruit from growers who can adhere to his very particular methods of viticulture – high trellising encouraging photosynthesis, the absence of herbicides and insecticides, for example.
At the lower end of the spectrum, however, comes this – the ‘Cuvée St Vincent’ Blanc. The grapes for this wine is sourced from regional classified vineyards from Chassagne to Meursault: arguably the greatest Chardonnay terroir on the planet, for the Grand Crus certainly. Like the vineyard, Vincent is particular in his winemaking as well with only indigenous yeasts used for fermentation, long fermentation on lees and only a slither of new oak.
The result is an eminently drinkable and, by Burgundy standards, relatively affordable entry into the world of Burgundian Chardonnay.
Pale gold in the glass and a nose that is immediately recognisable Chardonnay; even though the first aromas are creamy-marzipany-leesy (no doubt due to the time on lees, likely with some stirring as well). Then the rest of the aromas make themselves known: lemon, zest, a slight yellow apple character and white florals and that unmistakable whiff of gunsmoke.
The palate yells ‘Burgundy’ with its medium body and alcohol and crunchy, textured acidity. Really good intensity to the flavours, citrus and ripe pear, a touch of jasmine and the lightest hint of vanilla. A finsh of decent length wraps things up nicely, the acidity working its wonders as you reach for that second sip…. and then glass.
If you know nothing about Burgundy and want to dip your toes, this provides a great and accessible way to do just that. Great drinking.
This wine is available in Australia via Fine Wine Cellars. Use coupon code ‘WINEGEEK’ to get 15% off any 6 wines (excludes sale wines, subscriptions and special packs)
What do you think?