From: Burgundy, France
Varietal: Chardonnay
Taste: When tasting the 2019 Vincent Girardin Puligny-Montrachet Les Vieilles Vignes, one can expect aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of lemon, peach, and a hint of honey. The wine has a long and complex finish, with a subtle minerality that reflects the terroir in which it was grown. The old vines in the Les Vieilles Vignes cuvée produce grapes that are concentrated and rich in flavor, and Vincent Girardin's careful winemaking process results in a wine that is complex, elegant, and reflective of its origins.
Pairing: This versatile and complex white wine plays well with a wide range of dishes. Its rich texture and bright acidity make it a perfect match for classic Burgundy cuisine, while its versatility allows it to pair well with vegetarian dishes and lighter fare as well. Try pairing this wine with dishes like butter-poached lobster, chicken with a creamy mushroom sauce, pan-seared scallops with a beurre blanc sauce (check out Ina Garten’s Make-Ahead Coquilles St.-Jacques below), roasted chicken with herbs and garlic, or a savory tart with mushrooms and Gruyere cheese. For vegetarian options, the Vincent Girardin Puligny-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes is a great match for dishes that feature creamy sauces or rich, nutty flavors. Try pairing this wine with a creamy risotto with wild mushrooms, roasted vegetables with a tahini dressing, or a baked brie with fig jam and toasted almonds.
Ina Garten’s Make-Ahead Coquilles St.-Jacques
Recipe from Ina Garten
Adapted by Sam Sifton
About. The history of Maison Vincent Girardin is relatively recent. In 1980, at the age of 19, Vincent Girardin, the son of a family of winegrowers based in Santenay since the 17th century, decided to strike out on his own and began producing wine from five acres of vines that he had inherited from his parents.
From his earliest youth, Vincent had a passion for working with vines and great respect for the potential that they represent, and his ambition was to produce his own wine. The quality of his wines was quickly recognized by connoisseurs all over the world, and this enabled him to expand his activity, focusing primarily on the great white and red wines of the Côte de Beaune.
To cope with the growing demand for his wines, he developed an approach that was new in Burgundy: he purchased grapes from producers who shared the same philosophy and the same high standards. This approach is now the standard for many up-and-coming winemakers in Burgundy.
In 2012, Vincent Girardin sold his operation to a long-standing partner of the Maison. Jean-Pierre Nié, President of the Compagnie des Vins d’Autrefois in Beaune, naturally decided to continue with the small team of nine people that had been faithful to the Maison for many years. Today, Eric Germain continues to uphold the style of the wines, and Marco Caschera markets them all over the world.