2022 Vincent Girardin Meursault 1er Cru Les Genevrieres, Burgundy

Vincent Girardin Meursault 1er Cru Les Genevrières is a masterful expression of Chardonnay from one of Meursault’s most prestigious premier cru vineyards in Burgundy. Crafted by Vincent Girardin, a producer known for his meticulous focus on terroir and precision, this wine exemplifies the richness, elegance, and complexity that make Meursault a cornerstone of fine white Burgundy. The Les Genevrières vineyard is celebrated for producing wines of exceptional depth, minerality, and longevity.

The Les Genevrières vineyard is located on a south-facing slope with stony, limestone-rich soils that provide excellent drainage and impart a distinctive mineral character to the wine. The vines, many of which are decades old, yield grapes with concentrated flavors and nuanced aromatics. The vineyard’s ideal position and terroir lend the wine a harmonious blend of power and finesse.

Winemaking adheres to Vincent Girardin’s philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard’s unique qualities to shine. Grapes are hand-harvested and gently pressed before fermentation in French oak barrels using indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged for 18 months on fine lees, with about 25% new oak, to develop complexity and texture while preserving balance and freshness.

In the glass, the wine reveals a brilliant pale gold hue. The nose is layered and expressive, with aromas of ripe pear, white peach, and lemon curd, accented by floral notes of acacia and hints of toasted almonds and wet stone. On the palate, it is full-bodied and richly textured, yet vibrant, with flavors of orchard fruits, citrus zest, and subtle vanilla seamlessly integrated with a fine mineral backbone. The finish is long, refined, and impeccably balanced, reflecting the pedigree of this premier cru site.

This Meursault is a luxurious pairing for dishes such as butter-basted lobster, roasted turbot, or creamy mushroom risotto. It also complements fine cheeses like Époisses or aged Comté. While accessible in its youth with decanting, this wine has the structure and complexity to evolve beautifully over 10-15 years, gaining even greater depth and nuance.