Domaine Vincent Girardin Saint-Aubin 1er Cru La Chatenière 2022

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1980 in Meursault, Domaine Vincent Girardin has established itself as a prominent producer in Burgundy, France. Initially focusing on white wines, the estate expanded its portfolio to include reds, emphasizing sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention in the cellar. Over the years, Vincent Girardin has garnered acclaim for crafting wines that balance richness with elegance, showcasing the purity of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from esteemed appellations.

Producer and Winemaker

Vincent Girardin, the founder, was a visionary winemaker dedicated to expressing the distinctiveness of Burgundy’s terroirs. In 2012, the estate was acquired by the Compagnie des Vins d’Autrefois, ensuring the continuation of Girardin’s philosophy. The winemaking team, led by Eric Germain, upholds the tradition of crafting wines with precision and finesse, utilizing organic practices and allowing each vineyard’s character to shine through in the final product.

Vineyards and Microclimate

La Chatenière is a Premier Cru vineyard located in the Saint-Aubin appellation of the Côte de Beaune, Burgundy. Situated on steep, east-facing slopes adjacent to the Grand Cru vineyards of Puligny-Montrachet, it benefits from excellent sun exposure and well-drained limestone soils. This unique terroir imparts a pronounced minerality and complexity to the wines, while the microclimate, characterized by cool nights and warm days, allows for a slow ripening process, preserving acidity and enhancing aromatic expression.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo gentle pressing to extract pure juice. Fermentation occurs in French oak barrels, with a portion being new oak, to impart subtle complexity without overshadowing the fruit. The wine is aged on its lees for several months, enhancing texture and depth, before bottling with minimal filtration to preserve its natural character.

Tasting Notes

The 2022 Saint-Aubin 1er Cru La Chatenière exhibits a rich and powerful profile, reflecting its sunny terroir. The nose reveals woody notes intertwined with fruits and flowers. On the palate, it is mineral and long, culminating in a salty finish. This wine showcases a harmonious balance between its aromatic complexity and structural elegance. 

Food & Wine Pairing

This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with seafood dishes such as grilled scallops, lobster, or oysters. Its crisp acidity and mineral backbone complement creamy sauces and rich textures, making it an excellent match for poultry dishes like roast chicken or turkey. For cheese pairings, consider soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert to enhance the wine’s subtle complexity.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve this wine chilled at 10°C to 12°C (50°F to 54°F) in a white wine glass to fully appreciate its aromatic nuances. Decanting is not necessary, but allowing the wine to breathe for a few minutes after opening can enhance its expressive qualities. Enjoy within the next few years to experience its fresh and vibrant character.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature and humidity. While the 2022 vintage is approachable in its youth, it possesses the structure and acidity to age gracefully for 5 to 7 years. Over time, the wine will develop additional complexity, with tertiary notes of honey and toasted nuts emerging.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Chardonnay

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5%