Vincent Girardin

Nestled in the heart of Meursault, Vincent Girardin stands as a beacon of excellence in the world of Burgundy winemaking. This esteemed domaine has earned a reputation for producing an impressive array of wines, predominantly crafted from the noble Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varieties. While Chardonnay takes center stage, the domaine’s holdings span across the renowned Côte de Beaune, encompassing everything from grand cru sites like Le Montrachet and Corton-Charlemagne to premiers crus in Chassagne and Puligny-Montrachet, Saint-Aubin, and Santenay, and even down to vineyards at village-level and regional appellations.

The essence of Vincent Girardin’s winemaking philosophy lies in the seamless blend of tradition and innovation. With approximately 22 hectares (54 acres) of owned vineyards, the estate also acts as a négoce, collaborating with growers who adhere to a strict code of practice that eschews harmful herbicides and insecticides and emphasizes environmentally conscious viticulture techniques like higher trellising for optimal photosynthesis.

In the cellar, Vincent Girardin adopts a natural approach, allowing the grapes to ferment using indigenous yeasts, followed by extended maturation on the fine lees. Notably, the winery does not rely heavily on new oak, preferring to let the purity of the fruit and the vineyard’s unique terroir shine through in the final wines.

Moreover, the domain’s commitment to biodynamic principles is a testament to its dedication to sustainability and harmony with nature. The estate vineyards follow lunar phases, further enhancing the overall quality and expression of the wines.

The roots of Vincent Girardin trace back to 1982 when a young 18-year-old Vincent, hailing from a long-standing family of Santenay winemakers, produced his first wines from two hectares (five acres) of inherited vineyards. As demand for his wines grew, he forged valuable relationships with like-minded growers, a novel practice in Burgundy at the time.

In 2012, Vincent Girardin decided to pass the baton and sold the business. Despite this transition, the winemaker Eric Germain, who had been with the domaine since the early 2000s, remained dedicated to ensuring the continuity of the domaine’s exceptional winemaking practices. While some holdings were sold, Vincent retained others, passing them on to his son, Pierre Girardin, who has since established his own domain, Pierre Girardin.

Vincent Girardin’s legacy endures as a beacon of Burgundian winemaking, a testament to passion, tradition, and a deep respect for the terroir that continues to inspire wine enthusiasts worldwide.