Domaine & Maison Vincent Girardin, Meursault *Biodynamic-certified

Background To a large extent Vincent Girardin has revolutionised the world of the negociant. Part vineyard owner, part negociant Vincent has shaken up an industry that was very much resting on its laurels. He was originally based in Santenay where he quickly established himself as a producer of highly drinkable wines from slightly unfashionable appellations such as Maranges and Santenay itself.

He quickly found he needed more wine and started buying in grapes, concentrating his efforts on the Côte de Beaune. Expansion was quick and he was soon the largest buyer annually of new oak barrels.

As the business grew Vincent progressed on to the Côte de Nuits and increased his range to include lofty appellations such as Clos de Beze and Clos St Denis. The style of his wines also seemed to evolve - becoming more terroir driven.

Highly successful and now with a worldwide reputation, Vincent's operation is an enormous new cuverie in Meursault.

Size:20ha (made from 42 parcels from 8 villages)

Viticultural and vinification methods Vincent has been committed to biodynamic agriculture since 2009 and will obtain certification by the end of 2011. So, obviously no pesticides or herbicides are used. Harvesting is done by hand and grapes are then sorted on a table.

Modern winemaking methods are employed to minimise handling of the grapes. A slow fermentation is employed using natural yeasts. Ageing takes place on the lees. 10-35% new oak is used depending on appellation. And the red wines are not fined or filtered.

Wines

Santenay Blanc 1er Cru Gravieres

St. Aubin 1er Cru la Chateniere

Puligny Montrachet Vielles Vignes

Puligny Montrachet 1er Folatiere

Meursault Vieilles Vignes