In the heart of the Côte de Beaune, the climat Les Combettes reveals Puligny-Montrachet at its most noble: a vibrant balance between depth and lightness. The 2023 vintage from Domaine Vincent Girardin captures this singular energy in a fine wine that speaks Chardonnay’s language with a tone of stone and light. The structure is pure and unostentatious, punctuated by floral hints and a mineral brightness that evokes the limestone soils shaped by time. For the lover seeking a precise and nuanced white Burgundy, this cuvée is a fulfilled promise—a companion for haute cuisine as much as a moment of contemplation. It addresses palates looking for substance, uprightness and the ability to age gracefully, offering today a clear expression of terroir while preserving a future of patina and complexity. In the glass, this Premier Cru unfolds a subtle palette revealed in layers, like an Impressionist painting where each carefully placed detail composes an overall harmony. It is a work of patience and exacting standards, a score interpreted with tact by the Maison Vincent Girardin, known for its pursuit of clear expression and balanced texture.

Blend and winemaking

This Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru is produced from Chardonnay from the Les Combettes climat, on clay-limestone soils renowned for yielding wines that are both taut and generous. Vineyard management and cellar work aim for purity of expression, with measured extraction and controlled aging that favour balance. Fermentations are carried out with respect for the fruit to preserve aromatic finesse and avoid any heaviness. When oak is used, it lifts the material without dressing it up—like a pencil stroke that emphasises without distracting. The result is a precise construction, a broad yet defined mid-palate and a straight finish supported by a delicate salinity. Nothing is an effect; everything answers the demands of a Premier Cru where terroir prevails and the hand of man steps back before the obvious character of the place.

Tasting notes

• Appearance : Clear brilliance and crystalline sheen, announcing pure fruit and a silky texture.
• Nose : Subtle bouquet of white flowers, delicate citrus and stone fruit, joined by a touch of almond, a fine chalky nuance and discreet oak notes.
• Palate : A nervy then enveloping attack, precise fruit, a chiseled mid-palate, saline resonance and a long, pure, highly distinguished finish.

Serving temperature and tips

Serve this Puligny-Montrachet cool, not ice-cold, to preserve its verticality and the delicacy of its bouquet. Opening the bottle a few minutes before service will allow it to open up and reveal its complexity. Gentle aeration can emphasise the precision of the fruit and round off youthful edges. Store the bottle quietly, protected from light, in a stable cellar to accompany its natural development over the years.

Food pairings

• Aperitifs : herb puff pastry tartlets, light gougères, delicate sashimi.
• Starters : scallop carpaccio, subtly citrusy sea bream ceviche, crayfish salad with citrus.
• Main courses : sole meunière, roasted poultry with a light jus, pike quenelles, creamy risotto with seasonal mushrooms.
• Cheeses : aged Comté, Beaufort, mild tomme (pressed, uncooked paste), fresh goat cheese.
• Desserts : thin citrus tart, almond and pear shortbread, lightly sweet desserts that highlight freshness.

Occasions

This Premier Cru pairs perfectly with great moments that call for depth and restraint :

• A gastronomic dinner where precise pairings elevate the chef’s cuisine.
• A festive table where flavours are celebrated with elegance and restraint.
• A connoisseur's gift for Burgundy lovers seeking fine wines with strong personality.

Characteristics

• Name : Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Combettes 2023, Domaine Vincent Girardin
• Appellation : Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru AOC
• Type : Dry white wine
• Vintage : 2023
• Grape variety : Chardonnay
• Alcohol by volume : Not disclosed
• Aging : Careful ageing at the estate, information not disclosed
• Capacity : Standard bottle
• Cellaring potential : Good potential depending on cellar conditions
• Serving temperature : Serve chilled, not ice-cold