Vincent Girardin Chassagne-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes 2020

Vincent Girardin Chassagne-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes Rouge 2020
Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France | 100% Pinot Noir

A beautiful and somewhat under-the-radar red Burgundy, the Vincent Girardin Chassagne-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes Rouge 2020 showcases the elegant, silky side of Pinot Noir from one of the Côte de Beaune's most prestigious villages.

The 2020 displays a clear, deep ruby color and expressive aromas of fresh red berries, including cherry, wild strawberry, raspberry and red currant, complemented by subtle savory, earthy and spicy nuances. On the palate, it is silky and beautifully textured, with a surprisingly powerful core of fruit, fine-grained tannins and a firm, persistent finish. The oak is present but delicately integrated, allowing the Pinot Noir and the character of the vineyard to remain front and center.

What Makes It Special

Although Chassagne-Montrachet is internationally famous for its Chardonnay, the appellation has a long history of producing red wines as well. In fact, historically Chassagne produced more red than white wine. Today, red Chassagne is considerably less common, making bottles like this an especially interesting discovery for Burgundy lovers.

The fruit comes from several climates in the southern part of Chassagne-Montrachet, including Les Battaudes, La Bergerie, Les Chambres, Les Lombards, Les Morichots and Le Poirier du Clos. The vineyards sit on clay-limestone soils, with vines averaging approximately 60 years old.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted before being destemmed and placed in vats. Depending on the vintage, a portion of whole clusters may be retained. After a few days of cold maceration, fermentation takes place under temperature control. The wine is then transferred to barrels, approximately 30% new French oak, where it undergoes malolactic fermentation and ages for approximately 15 months.

2020 Vintage

2020 is particularly attractive for Burgundy reds, producing wines with ripe fruit, concentration and excellent freshness. In this bottling, those qualities translate into a Pinot Noir that has both immediate charm and enough structure to develop further in bottle.

Wine Details

• Producer: Vincent Girardin
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Chassagne-Montrachet
• Region: Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vine Age: Approximately 60 years
• Soil: Clay-limestone
• Oak: Approximately 30% new French oak
• Aging: Approximately 15 months in barrel
• Alcohol: Approximately 13%
• Service: Around 57°F (14°C)

Perfect With:
Roasted chicken, duck, pork tenderloin, grilled salmon, mushroom dishes, beef bourguignon, charcuterie, pâté, roast turkey and soft or moderately aged cheeses.

Style:
Elegant • Silky • Fresh Red Fruit • Earthy • Savory • Fine Tannins • Mineral • Medium-Bodied