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Michel Sarrazin et Fils, Les Grognots, Blanc

Burgundy, France 2013 (750mL)
$29.00
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Michel Sarrazin et Fils, Les Grognots, Blanc


Givry boasts an incredible history that reaches back to the Gallo-Roman period and continues through the reign of King Henri IV. In fact, Givry is touted as being the source of the famous French king’s favorite wines. Within the sub-region of Côte Chalonnaise lie five separate appellations, three of which offer Pinot Noir and Chardonnay including Givry, Mercurey and Rully. Givry boasts soils that are predominantly Oxfordian Jurassic limestone mixed with clay and sand, which offer some of the most attractive minerality in all of the Côte Chalonnaise and a similarity to the great wines of their northern Côte de Beaune neighbors. This particular parcel of land, “Les Grognots,” offers wines that from a higher altitude than many of the wines derived from flatter portions of Givry which lends a richness and complexity which stand out amongst the appellations wines.
 
The Sarrazin family’s 400+-year history took a monumental leap forward when Michel took the reins back in 1964. Through passionate dedication, Michel not only elevated the reputation and value of the domaine, he also made the important decision to begin estate bottling his wines. These days, Michel’s sons, Guy and Jean-Yves, run the operation in harmonious concert with one another and with regard for the immense tradition and groundwork their father laid for them. The brothers practice “lutte raisonnée” viticulture, which directly translates to “reasoned fight,” and refers to natural farming unless emergency calls for conventional methods of farming. They also utilize strict pruning and green harvesting to control yields, which results in ample concentration and stunning aromatics which are some of the most complex I have tasted in any whites from Givry to date. 
 
This 2013 Chardonnay from Givry’s, “Les Grognots,” exhibits a pale golden yellow core with slightly green reflections at the meniscus. With air the nose offers incredible charm and personality with classic white Burgundian notes of concentrated yellow apple, white peach and bosc pear along with yellow plum, fresh butter, a touch of hazelnut, budding lime blossoms, a hint of oyster shell and just a kiss of baking spice. The medium-bodied palate boasts high acidity, pronounced minerality and a more citrus-driven fruit profile than the nose with flavors of lemon peel, lime blossom, freshly cut yellow apple and a mouthwatering crushed limestone finish. This refreshing, crisp Burgundian example is drinking great right now but will most likely peak in the next two to three years. For optimal enjoyment, give this wine plenty of oxygen (an hour decanted) and serve at 50-55 degrees in large Burgundy stems. For an inspired pairing, try this grilled white fish, I vote for sole, in a beurre blanc sauce. Bon Appetit.
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Country
France
Region
Burgundy
Sub-Region
FranceGivry
Soil
Limestone, Clay and Sand
Blend
Chardonnay
Alcohol
13.0
OAK
Mostly Neutral French

France

Bourgogne

Beaujolais

Enjoying the greatest wines of Beaujolais starts, as it usually does, with the lay of the land. In Beaujolais, 10 localities have been given their own AOC (Appellation of Controlled Origin) designation. They are: Saint Amour; Juliénas; Chénas; Moulin-à Vent; Fleurie; Chiroubles; Morgon; Régnié; Côte de Brouilly; and Brouilly.

Southwestern France

Bordeaux

Bordeaux surrounds two rivers, the Dordogne and Garonne, which intersect north of the city of Bordeaux to form the Gironde Estuary, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The region is at the 45th parallel (California’s Napa Valley is at the38th), with a mild, Atlantic-influenced climate enabling the maturation of late-ripening varieties.

Central France

Loire Valley

The Loire is France’s longest river (634 miles), originating in the southerly Cévennes Mountains, flowing north towards Paris, then curving westward and emptying into the Atlantic Ocean near Nantes. The Loire and its tributaries cover a huge swath of central France, with most of the wine appellations on an east-west stretch at47 degrees north (the same latitude as Burgundy).

Northeastern France

Alsace

Alsace, in Northeastern France, is one of the most geologically diverse wine regions in the world, with vineyards running from the foothills of theVosges Mountains down to the Rhine River Valley below.

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