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While we are
always searching for the latest and greatest, sometimes we will taste a wine
from an established and well-known producer that is so classic in its style
that we feel it is deserving of a spot in our club. Maison Vincent Girardin
is by no means new on the scene, but is producing elegant, classic, and
affordable Burgundian wine that we just can't say no to. Vincent was born
into a family of winegrowers that have lived in Santenay, a tiny commune of
less than 1,000 residents just south of Beaune, since the 17th century. At the
age of 19, Vincent strayed from the family lineage of growing grapes and
started producing his own wine from two hectares of vines that he inherited
from his parents. Because his landholdings were small, Vincent grew his
portfolio by purchasing grapes from neighboring vineyards. Though young, his
ambition to try new winemaking techniques and to take risks played a huge
role in his success. As the brand grew, Vincent recognized a need for a great
winemaker who could help to elevate his brand. With the arrival of Eric
Germain as winemaker in the early 2000s, the focus of Maison Vincent Girardin
became more about the expression of the vineyards that Vincent had worked so
hard to source. Eric helped to define a new purity of style that has since become
synonymous with the brand and has received acclaim from oenophiles near and
far. In 2012, Vincent Girardin sold his operation to his long-standing
partner in the Maison, Jean-Pierre Nié. Eric Germain continues to make the
wines for the Maison and today, the brand has cemented itself as one of the
classics in Burgundy.
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This bottling of the 'Clos Saint Jean' comes
from a premiere cru vineyard within the commune of Chassagne-Montrachet. The
average age of the vines in this vineyard are 40 years old and are planted in
marled clay soil. The grapes were manually harvested, with the initial sort
happening during the pick and then sorted again once brought back to the winery.
Next, they were destemmed, lightly crushed, and then fermented on the skins in
stainless steel tanks. Once fermented dry, the wine was then aged for 16 months
in barrel, of which 30% was new French oak. The palate opens with notes of
fresh strawberry and brambleberry, clove, anise, and thyme. This is a softly structured
wine with tannins that draw out on the finish and a bright acidity that brings
the whole wine into balance. It would pair beautifully with a roasted chicken,
a rare fillet steak or mushroom risotto! 13.5% abv
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