2022 Vincent Girardin Meursault Les Clous, Burgundy

Vincent Girardin Meursault Les Clous is a refined and expressive Chardonnay from one of Burgundy’s most celebrated villages in the Côte de Beaune. This wine beautifully captures the richness, minerality, and elegance for which Meursault is renowned. Crafted with Vincent Girardin’s meticulous attention to terroir, Les Clous reflects the balance of power and finesse that defines the wines of this appellation.

The Les Clous vineyard is located on a steep hillside with well-drained limestone-rich soils, a hallmark of Meursault’s terroir. The higher elevation and exposure to cooling winds lend this site a unique freshness and vibrancy. The old vines in this vineyard, many of which are over 40 years old, produce low yields of concentrated fruit, contributing to the wine’s depth and complexity.

Girardin employs a low-intervention winemaking approach to preserve the purity and character of the fruit. Grapes are hand-harvested and gently pressed, followed by fermentation in French oak barrels using indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged on fine lees for 14-16 months, with about 15-20% new oak, enhancing texture and subtle complexity while maintaining the wine’s bright and focused profile.

In the glass, Vincent Girardin Meursault Les Clous displays a radiant pale gold hue. The nose is inviting and nuanced, with aromas of ripe pear, green apple, and lemon zest, layered with floral notes, toasted almonds, and a touch of wet stone. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and finely balanced, with flavors of orchard fruits, citrus, and a hint of vanilla framed by lively acidity and a persistent mineral-driven finish.

This Meursault pairs wonderfully with dishes such as seared scallops, roasted chicken with herbs, or creamy seafood pastas. Its vibrant acidity and elegance also make it a delightful companion for soft cheeses like Camembert or Delice de Bourgogne. While approachable in its youth, Les Clous has the structure and vibrancy to age gracefully for 8-12 years, developing additional complexity and nuance.