# Pommard "Vieilles Vignes" (2020)

- **Producer:** Vincent Girardin
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Average price:** €56
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, cherry, smoke, cedar, game, forest floor, cinnamon

## About this wine

The Girardin family has a rich winemaking heritage in Burgundy, dating back to the 17th century. Vincent Girardin himself established his own domaine in 1980 at the young age of 19, quickly building a reputation for quality. In 2012, the operation transitioned, with long-standing partner Jean-Pierre Nié taking over and Eric Germain continuing as the dedicated winemaker. This particular wine, the Pommard 'Vieilles Vignes' 2020, hails from the esteemed Côte de Beaune sub-region of Burgundy, France. It is crafted from old vines, specifically 45-year-old Pinot Noir grapes grown in the village of Pommard, on the Volnay side in a place known as 'Vaumuriens.' The vineyard's unique terroir, characterized by very clayey soil with some surface limestone, contributes significantly to the wine's distinctive character and structure. The 2020 vintage itself garnered critical acclaim, receiving a notable 92 points from Wine Spectator.

## Interesting facts

- The Girardin family has been making wine in Burgundy since the 17th century, a testament to their deep roots in the region.
- The 'Vieilles Vignes' are 45 years old, located in a special plot called 'Vaumuriens' on the Volnay side of Pommard.
- Winemaking includes bottling according to the lunar calendar, a traditional practice for optimal quality.
- Only 450 cases of this specific vintage were produced, making it a limited and sought-after wine.

## Food pairing

This full-bodied Pommard, with its dense tannins, well-marked acidity, and intense dark fruit and savory notes, demands rich, flavorful dishes. It pairs exceptionally well with robust proteins like game, lamb, and beef, especially those prepared with slow-cooking methods or rich sauces that can stand up to its structure. The wine's earthy and gamey undertones also complement dishes featuring mushrooms or truffles. Its acidity helps cut through the richness of fatty meats, while its tannins are softened by protein, creating a harmonious balance on the palate. Avoid delicate dishes that would be overpowered, or overly spicy/acidic foods that would clash.

## Wine making process

The viticulture for the Pommard 'Vieilles Vignes' 2020 emphasizes careful management, with vines pruned using the Guyot (Poussard) method. Harvesting is meticulously done by hand, followed by a double sorting process—first in the vineyard and then again at the winery, ensuring only the finest grapes are selected. In the cellar, the grapes undergo a light crushing and destemming before being placed into stainless steel tanks. A cold maceration period precedes temperature-controlled fermentation, which involves regular pump-overs and punch-downs to optimize extraction. The wine then matures for 15 months in oak barrels, with approximately 30% new oak contributing subtle complexity. Before bottling, the final blend is assembled in vats for one month. A light lenticular filtration is performed, and bottling is carried out according to the lunar calendar, a traditional practice believed to enhance the wine's quality.