2023 Vincent Girardin Volnay Vieilles Vignes, Burgundy

Old vine Volnay is all about perfume and finesse, and Vincent Girardin draws that out with a measured, terroir focused approach that lets the vineyard speak. Sourced from mature parcels around the village, this Vieilles Vignes bottling leans into elegance rather than power, showing Pinot Noir at its more refined end.

The 2023 vintage is beautifully aromatic. Red cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry lead, lifted by rose petal and a touch of violet. There is a gentle savoury layer underneath, soft spice, a hint of earth and a whisper of oak adding depth without overshadowing the fruit.

On the palate it sits in the light to medium bodied range with silky, fine grained tannins. The fruit is pure and flowing, supported by a line of freshness that keeps everything poised. Flavours move toward a more savoury finish, with spice, subtle earth and a faint mineral edge lingering.

Girardin’s winemaking is restrained and precise, careful extraction and thoughtful élevage allowing the old vine character and Volnay’s natural elegance to come through clearly.

This is a brilliant match for dishes that favour finesse. Think duck with a cherry glaze, roast quail, or even grilled tuna with sesame. It also works beautifully with dishes like mushroom and thyme tart, a lentil and herb dish, or roasted beetroot with walnut, where the wine’s perfume and structure carry through.

Drinking beautifully now with a bit of air, it will continue to evolve over the next eight to twelve years, gaining more savoury, earthy complexity while holding its grace.