Description
Made by highly regarded Burgundian producer Vincent Girardin, who have released an impressively smooth, perfumed and fine-textured Pinot Noir. Vieilles Vignes (directly translated to old vines) mean the grapes were grown on more mature vines which typically yield lower quantities of fruit (in this case the wines were an impressive 65 years of age). Greater complexity and concentration in flavour results in this wine, alongside the textbook fragrance of good Volnay.
TASTING NOTE: This wine has an attractive purply red colour. On the nose, there are lovely, perfumed notes of cherry, violets and spice, characteristic of this old-vine blend and the Volnay appellation. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with the fine, precise acidity often found in Volnay, and pure berry fruit flavours emerging on the finish. It is medium bodied, with a long, lingering finish and very fine tannins. 13% alcohol.
PAIRING & SERVING IDEAS: Roast rack of lamb with rosemary and thyme is a beautiful pairing, though also choose chicken or game such as guinea fowl or pheasant if you’re wanting something more Burgundian but not too heavy. For a vegetarian option, try wild mushroom risotto with umami-rich flavour to complement the wine’s moderate tannins and good acidity. We recommend this wine to be served at around 16 degrees C. Drink now or store for another 6-8 years in bottle to further develop depth and mellow, integrated Pinot Noir flavours.
ABOUT: Girardin was founded in 1980 when Vincent Girardin was just shy of 19 years old. Coming from a Santenay winemaking family dating back to the 17th century, he grew up surrounded by vineyards, and knew a thing or two about wine! The estate grew rapidly, building long-standing partnerships with growers who shared the same philosophy across 11 Cote de Beaune villages, from Meursault to Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Volnay, Santenay and more. Since 2012, winemaker Erin Germain has focussed on wines of aromatic purity, elegant balance and terroir, using sustainable farming practices and biodynamics, such as cultivating with no chemical herbicides or insecticides, and the use of natural composts and herbal teas for nutrients, whilst following the lunar calendar. The results are impressive, with the wines offering classic Burgundy weight and structure with elegance and pure, fine fruit flavours.
