2008 Vincent Girardin Meursault Les Perrières

Domaine Vincent Girardin is a 50-acre estate made up of 42 parcels in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. Vincent Girardin himself was born in Santenay, in the Cote de Beaune, and is an 11th generation winemaker. He started his own domaine in 1982 with just 5 acres of land, but he has added to the estate over the years, which he now runs with wife, Veronique. Robert M. Parker Jr. has called Girardin an “extremely talented winemaker” and notes that Girardin’s top grand and premier crus “are at the same quality level of those crafted by Burgundy’s other excellent domaines and negociants. What sets this firm apart are the bevy of delicious, eminently drinkable wines it produces from lesser known appellations, including its home village of Santenay.” The domain makes red and white Burgundies.

Les Perrieres is 34-acre Premier Cru vineyard in Meursault, in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. The vineyard includes several sub parcels. They are the 2.4-acre monopole Clos des Perrieres, which belongs to Domaine Albert Grivault, and Les Perrieres Dessous. Because Les Perrieres is in southern Meursault next to Puligny, the Les Perrieres Meursaults are considered to have more minerality than other Meursaults. Burgundy writer Clive Coates has noted that “Perrieres is perhaps the most elegant and persistent of the premier crus. At its best, it is positively brilliant…” Since Meursault lacks a Grand Cru, Meursault’s reputation for excellence is based on the Premier Crus, particularly the whites.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.