2022 Vincent Girardin Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Burgundy

Vincent Girardin Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru is an extraordinary Chardonnay from one of Burgundy’s most iconic grand cru vineyards. Crafted by Vincent Girardin, a winemaker celebrated for his meticulous attention to terroir and commitment to producing wines of purity and elegance, this wine represents the pinnacle of white Burgundy. Corton-Charlemagne, located in the northern Côte de Beaune, is revered for producing Chardonnays with unmatched power, complexity, and aging potential.

The grapes for this wine are sourced from select parcels within the Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, where the vines are planted on steep, southeast-facing slopes. The vineyard’s limestone-rich marl soils and high elevation contribute to the wine’s distinctive minerality, vibrant acidity, and profound depth. The terroir, combined with Burgundy’s cool climate, allows for a long growing season, enabling the Chardonnay grapes to develop exceptional concentration and aromatic precision.

Vinification is guided by Girardin’s philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the terroir to take center stage. Grapes are hand-harvested and gently pressed, with fermentation occurring in French oak barrels using indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged for 18-20 months on fine lees in French oak, approximately 30% new, which adds richness and complexity without overshadowing the wine’s natural elegance.

In the glass, Vincent Girardin Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru displays a luminous pale gold hue. The nose is intensely aromatic, offering layers of citrus zest, green apple, and white peach, interwoven with notes of toasted almonds, brioche, and flinty minerality. On the palate, it is full-bodied and impeccably structured, with vibrant acidity supporting flavors of lemon curd, ripe pear, and subtle hints of vanilla and hazelnut. The finish is long, precise, and mineral-driven, showcasing the wine’s grand cru pedigree.

This grand cru Chardonnay pairs exquisitely with refined dishes such as butter-poached lobster, roasted turbot, or creamy truffle risotto. It also complements soft cheeses like Chaource or triple-cream Brie. While approachable now with decanting, this wine will reward cellaring for 10-15 years or more, gaining additional complexity and depth over time.