Pierre Girardin Côte de Nuits Villages Rouge Burgundy 2020

Following in your father’s footsteps can be daunting, especially when your chosen profession is not only that of your father but of your grandfather, great-grandfather, and so on, dating back to the 17th century.  For Pierre Girardin, the proverbial shoes to fill were big and formidable, as the 13th generation in his family to craft wine in Burgundy and son to the famed Vincent Girardin.  However, after tasting Pierre’s first vintage and those subsequent, it appears that winemaking is a keen genetic trait in this legendary Burgundian family.

Pierre’s father, Vincent, came to notoriety in the late 80s and 90s for his then-unique business practice of purchasing fruit from acclaimed growers in Burgundy whom he respected and who followed similar vineyard practices.  As Vincent’s label burgeoned, so did his young son’s curiosity for his father’s work.  Pierre credits his childhood among the vines and in the cellar with creating his affinity for winemaking.  It is hard to imagine how one could avoid imprinting on the pastoral views and remarkable terroir of Côte de Beaune.  In addition, he came to learn the inner workings of a vineyard and winery as he watched on from a young age in the vinting of his father’s label.

Following a path like Vincent, Pierre inherited 4.5 hectares from his parents when Vincent sold his label in 2011.  The 4.5 hectares comprised all the best sites of Girardin’s estate.  These coveted plots were the beginning vines to establish Pierre’s Maison in 2017.  And at the uninhibited age of 21, he was an instant hit, with critics and collectors singing his praises.  His father’s longstanding relationships in Burgundy paved the way for Pierre to source additional fruit from like-minded producers.  It is unusual for this many prized parcels to exist under one Domaine and Pierre keeps this in mind when crafting his wines.  The focus remains on displaying the exceptional terroir with a minimalist approach, like a sage guide coaxing out the already present perfection within the grapes.

The 2020 Côte de Nuits Villages is one outstanding product of those long-term contacts with premier growers.  Pierre sources the 100% Pinot Noir from the village of Premeaux-Prissey, in the southern tip of Côte de Nuits, where the limestone-rich soils impart intense minerality.  One-third of the grapes were fermented on their stems using indigenous yeast to kickstart the process.  Pierre’s delicate hand in winemaking means only a few punch-downs and a long, gentle final press before aging in 15% new French oak for nine months, then six months in stainless steel.  The rounded palate of the unfined and unfiltered wine balances smooth tannins with a clean line of acidity.  Ripe cherry, black currant, and cranberry aromas complement hints of mushroom, forest floor, and soft baking spices.  Pierre’s fourth vintage has met the challenge of surpassing his outstanding debut in 2017 and cemented his mark on the Girardin family tree as a talented winemaker.