Santenay Premier Cru Rouge, Les Gravieres, Vincent Girardin, 2018 - Half-bottle
Santenay Premier Cru Rouge, Les Gravieres, Vincent Girardin, 2018 - Half-bottle
- 37.5cl
- 13.5%
- Red Still
- Pinot Noir
- Organic
- Biodynamic
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2027
Having started with a tiny 3ha back in the 80s, Vincent Girardin now owns 14ha of enviably sited parcels, with another 19ha on lease, and this is practically the first in-house vintage for the Domaine.
Head winemaker Eric Germain's steady conversion to biodynamics, earlier picking, reduced usage of new oak and earlier racking into neutral barrels all mean the focus is on terroir expression & energy, and the results are nothing short of profound. The wines are lithe and vibrant, with marked freshness, yet extra richness and concentration.
"Perfect example of what can be achieved in these satellite villages. Very smooth, silky red with purity and elegance. Oodles of red fruit with impressive concentration and purity that has herbal notes and sweet spice emerging on the finish. There is depth and charm wrapped in a warm generous mouthfeel."
Nick Daniell, Club Wine Buyer
Currently showing beautifully integrated fruit with the tannins already softened into that signature silky texture. The fruit concentration and terroir expression achieve perfect balance, before beginning a gentle decline after 2027 as the fruit starts to fade.
Food Pairings
In Burgundy, this style of Pinot Noir would traditionally accompany coq au vin, where the wine's silky texture and red fruit character complement the rich, wine-braised chicken. Local charcuterie like jambon persillé (parsley-studded ham terrine) pairs beautifully with the wine's herbal notes, whilst the region's famous beef bourguignon finds perfect harmony with the wine's concentration and earthy undertones. Époisses cheese, with its creamy texture and pungent flavour, creates a classic Burgundian match that highlights the wine's generous mouthfeel.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-17°C to allow the silky texture and fruit concentration to show at their best. No decanting required, though opening 30 minutes before serving will help the herbal and spice elements emerge more fully. Use Burgundy bowls or large-bowled glasses to concentrate the delicate aromatics whilst providing enough surface area for the wine to breathe naturally.
Les Gravières sits on the slopes above Santenay village, with limestone-rich soils mixed with gravel deposits that give the vineyard its name. The eastern exposure provides morning sun whilst protecting the vines from excessive afternoon heat, creating ideal conditions for Pinot Noir to develop complexity whilst retaining freshness. The well-draining gravelly soils contribute to the wine's characteristic elegance and mineral backbone.
Santenay Premier Cru represents the southern frontier of the Côte de Beaune, often overshadowed by its famous northern neighbours but capable of producing wines of remarkable depth and value. The appellation includes 12 Premier Cru vineyards, with Les Gravières among the most respected for its combination of power and finesse. These wines offer classic Burgundian character without the premium pricing of Beaune or Volnay, making them increasingly sought after by knowledgeable collectors.
Burgundy growers will tell you that 2018 was the vintage that reminded them why they fell in love with their vineyards in the first place. A glorious summer of sustained warmth without the punishing heat that can strip freshness from Pinot Noir, followed by cool nights that preserved the acidity. The flowering went smoothly, fruit set was generous, and harvest arrived early but without panic—exactly the sort of classical growing season that becomes rarer each decade.
What landed in the cellars was Burgundy at its most seductive: Pinot Noir with real depth of colour and fruit concentration, yet still dancing on its toes rather than plodding along. The Chardonnays show beautiful ripeness balanced by that crucial mineral backbone, particularly from the better sites in Chablis and the Côte de Beaune. We're drinking these wines now with enormous pleasure—they hit that sweet spot where primary fruit hasn't faded but the tannins have softened into silk. The top cuvées will cellar beautifully for another decade, but frankly, why wait?
FAQs
What does this Santenay taste like?
Smooth and silky with concentrated red cherry and raspberry fruit, herbal complexity, and sweet spice, all wrapped in a generous, warming mouthfeel typical of quality Burgundy.
When should I drink this wine?
Drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop over the next decade, reaching its peak around 2030-2032 before beginning a gentle decline.
What food pairs well with Santenay?
Classic Burgundian dishes like coq au vin or beef bourguignon work perfectly, as do roasted duck, game birds, and creamy cheeses like Époisses or Chaource.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve at 16-17°C in large-bowled glasses, opening 30 minutes before serving to allow the aromas to develop fully. No decanting necessary.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Absolutely - whilst approachable now, it will reward patience over the next 8-10 years as secondary complexity develops and the already-silky tannins integrate further.
How does Santenay compare to other Burgundy regions?
Santenay offers classic Burgundian character at more accessible prices than famous neighbours like Beaune or Volnay, with wines that tend to be more generous and warming whilst maintaining elegance and terroir expression.
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