Bourgogne Chardonnay, Domaine Benoit Girardin, 2022
Bourgogne Chardonnay, Domaine Benoit Girardin, 2022
- 75cl
- 13%
- White Still
- Chardonnay
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2032
There are some tastings which raise the level of energy in a room – and this one was simply electric – the wines showing a sophistication, and silken elegance quite rare at this level, at once pretty but gourmand, precise and generous at the same time.
The Girardin family claim thirteen generations of winemakers and Yves Girardin was given 3ha of vines which he subsequently grew to 21ha, purchasing the family property Château de de la Charrière in Santenay 2003. His son Benoit created his own domaine in 2020, with 8 hectares of prime vineyards from his father’s holdings, including plots in Savigny-Lès-Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet, Meursault and Pommard.
Benoit Girardin is already making waves in France, and we are thrilled to have added him to the Honest Grapes roster. These are wines to get in the cellar at the beginning of the domaine’s trajectory, whilst prices are attractive and allocations plentiful.
His 2022 Bourgogne Chardonnay is currently showing its primary fruit character with bright citrus and apple notes dominating. Over the next two years, expect these flavours to integrate and develop subtle honeyed complexity whilst maintaining freshness. The wine will reach its peak around 2028-2030, when the fruit and oak achieve perfect balance. Beyond 2032, it may start to lose its crisp character, though it won't be unpleasant to drink.
Tasting Notes
AppearancePale gold with bright clarity and a hint of green around the rim.
NoseFresh green apple and lemon zest lead, followed by subtle vanilla and a whisper of white flowers. There's an underlying mineral quality that adds depth without complexity.
PalateMedium-bodied with bright acidity driving citrus and orchard fruit flavours. The oak is well-integrated, adding texture rather than flavour, whilst a mineral thread runs through the middle. Clean and precise with good balance.
FinishCrisp and refreshing with lingering citrus and a touch of chalky minerality.
Overall impressionA textbook example of accessible Burgundian Chardonnay that delivers character without pretension.
Food Pairings
In Burgundy, this style of Chardonnay pairs naturally with the region's cuisine: escargots swimming in garlic butter, coq au vin blanc, or fresh goat's cheese from the local markets. The locals would serve it with simply prepared river fish like trout or pike, or alongside a classic poulet de Bresse roasted with herbs. The wine's crisp acidity also cuts through the richness of Époisses or other local washed-rind cheeses.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve chilled at 10-12°C in white Burgundy glasses to concentrate the aromatics. No need to decant, but do let it warm slightly in the glass to reveal its full character. Open just before serving as this style is best enjoyed fresh and vibrant.
The grapes come from vineyards across the broader Burgundy appellation, planted on the classic limestone and clay soils that define the region. These well-draining soils force the vines to dig deep, creating wines with natural acidity and mineral expression. The continental climate with its warm summers and cool nights preserves freshness while allowing full ripening.
Bourgogne AOC is the entry point to Burgundian Chardonnay, covering vineyards throughout the region that don't qualify for village or premier cru status. The rules require 100% Chardonnay and mandate traditional winemaking methods. These wines often offer the best introduction to Burgundian style without the premium pricing of more specific appellations.
The 2022 growing season in Burgundy began with a worryingly dry spring that had vignerons checking soil moisture levels weekly, followed by a summer that alternated between intense heat and welcome rainfall. The vines handled the stress remarkably well, producing smaller berries with concentrated flavours, though yields dropped significantly across both the Côte d'Or and Chablis. Harvest began earlier than usual, with many producers picking in late August under bright skies.
What emerged from the cellars shows a vintage of surprising finesse given the challenging conditions. The Pinot Noirs display vivid fruit and firm tannins without the jammy weight you might expect from a hot year, whilst the Chardonnays retained their mineral backbone alongside ripe stone fruit flavours. We're finding the village-level wines particularly compelling right now, drinking beautifully with just a year or two of bottle age, though the premier and grand crus will reward patience until the late 2020s.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Fresh and clean with green apple and citrus flavours, subtle oak influence, and a crisp mineral finish typical of good Burgundian Chardonnay.
When should I drink this wine?
Perfect to drink now whilst the fruit is vibrant, but will develop more complexity over the next 3-4 years if you prefer a rounder style.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Excellent with seafood, roast chicken, creamy pasta dishes, or soft goat's cheese. The acidity makes it versatile with both rich and delicate flavours.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve well-chilled at 10-12°C in proper white wine glasses. No need to decant, just open and enjoy whilst fresh.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Whilst it will develop nicely for 4-6 years, this style is designed for relatively early drinking. Buy it to enjoy rather than to store long-term.
How does this compare to other Burgundy whites?
This regional Bourgogne offers classic Burgundian character at an accessible price point, without the intensity or ageability of village or premier cru wines.
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