Vin de France Chardonnay Les Abeilles 2023 Pierre Girardin

What kind of wine it is

Vin de France Chardonnay Les Abeilles Pierre Girardin is a white wine made from Chardonnay grown in the Jura. It comes from a small plot with vines from massal selection planted around 1959 and is hand-harvested, with low yields aiming to offer concentration and clarity of fruit. The style is dry, taut, and structured, with pronounced minerality and a well-judged use of oak.

Where it comes from

The grapes come from Jura, in eastern France, from vineyards facing south on limestone soils. The combination of limestone and the small size of the plot allows for a precise and vertical expression, with a prominent mineral component. The southern exposure encourages regular ripening and balance, reflected in a fresh and well-defined style.

How it is made

Harvesting is manual and involves a limited plot. In the cellar, whole bunches are vinified with fermentation thanks to indigenous yeasts. The wine ages for one year in new oak barrels and continues maturation in stainless steel. Bottling takes place without fining or filtration, preserving the integrity and character of the terroir.

Tasting notes

On the nose, a crystalline minerality emerges alongside citrus, flint, and a buttery hint due to oak ageing. On the palate, it is dry and powerful, with vibrant acidity supporting an elegant structure. The finish is persistent, revisiting the minerality and citrus sensations.

Food pairings

It pairs effortlessly with raw fish dishes, where freshness and tension cleanse the palate, and with fresh goat cheeses, which are enhanced without overpowering. It’s also great with roast white meats, thanks to its structure and dry finish, and with delicately seasoned fish dishes.

When to serve

It’s perfect when you want a dry and structured white, able to combine racy acidity and a mineral touch with a subtle hint of oak. Suitable for lunch or dinner with raw fish, white meats, and fresh cheeses, especially when you seek a precise and well-defined sip. Oak ageing followed by steel ensures moments of aromatic depth without sacrificing freshness.