Bourgogne Chardonnay Saint Martin 2024 Domaine Justin Girardin

The Bourgogne Chardonnay Saint Martin 2024 from Domaine Justin Girardin is the entry point into a family domaine in Santenay whose viticultural history stretches back to 1570, with Justin now representing the thirteenth generation. A Chardonnay from parcels long left fallow, patiently restored by the Girardin family, expressing with directness and freshness all that southern Côte de Beaune offers at this level, honest and generous.

Terroir and vineyard

The domaine's Chardonnay parcels sit on the lieux-dits Peuraine and Saint Martin, southwest of Santenay bordering the Maranges vineyard. These parcels, planted in the plain, were mostly fallow before the Girardin family restored them, either abandoned after the twentieth-century phylloxera crisis or never planted at all. The soil is clay-limestone with calcareous gravels and sands at the surface. Aspect varies with local relief but is generally southeast-facing. The vines are farmed biodynamically, with triple selection at harvest: two passes through the vineyard and a third on a vibrating sorting table at the cellar. Vinification is gentle and precise: immediate pressing on arrival, alcoholic fermentation at low temperature of 10°C to preserve primary aromas, using only indigenous yeasts. Wines are placed in barrel at the start of alcoholic fermentation for added complexity and better wood-wine harmony.

Tasting profile

The colour is a brilliant golden yellow with luminous reflections. The nose is pleasant and immediately frank: notes of ripe yellow fruits, peach and pear, accompanied by subtle floral nuances and a light hazelnut touch from the ageing. On the palate, the wine is round and full, with lovely volume typical of Burgundian Chardonnay. Fruity aromas are enhanced by good acidity bringing freshness and vivacity to a silky, well-balanced texture. The finish is fruity and clean, with pleasant persistence and natural drinkability that immediately invites another glass. A wine of immediate pleasure, to drink within three to four years.

The domaine

A domaine present in Burgundy since 1570, Justin Girardin now represents the thirteenth generation leading the 17 hectare family domaine spanning Santenay to Savigny-lès-Beaune, passing through Chassagne-Montrachet and Pommard. Each parcel produces its own wine with its own identity. Attentive to the wellbeing of his vines, Justin and his team work biodynamically, intervening only when necessary to maintain the vineyard within healthy and increasingly environment-conscious agricultural practice.

Food pairings

This Bourgogne Chardonnay Saint Martin pairs beautifully as an aperitif, with fish, seafood and delicate starters. Dover sole meunière, steamed scallops, moules marinières, white asparagus with mousseline sauce or fresh goat cheese are classic pairings perfectly suited. Served between 10 and 12°C, it will reveal all the fruity generosity and natural freshness of a southern Côte de Beaune Chardonnay signed by thirteen generations of vignerons.