Dom. Yves Girardin Santenay Blanc Sous la Roche 2024

Domaine Yves Girardin – Santenay 'Sous la Roche' Blanc 2024

The "Vertical" Chardonnay from the Heights of Santenay

In early 2026, the 2024 Santenay 'Sous la Roche' is emerging as a standout example of what critics are calling a "classic throwback" vintage for Burgundy. While the 2024 growing season was notoriously difficult—requiring immense effort in the vineyards—the white wines, particularly from high-altitude sites like 'Sous la Roche', have turned out with a crystalline purity and energy that hasn't been seen in years.

The Terroir: "Under the Rock"

• The Vibe: If a Meursault is a "rich pastry," this is a "cold mountain spring." It is defined by its tension, citrus drive, and intense mineral "fizz."

• The Site: 'Sous la Roche' (meaning under the rock) is located at the very top of the Santenay slope, sitting just below the limestone cliffs.

• The Soil: The soil here is thin and stony, forced to survive on Bajocian limestone. This high-altitude, rocky environment is the secret to the wine's "electric" acidity and lean, athletic structure.

• The Producer: Yves Girardin (representing the 13th generation) and his son Benoît produce this wine at Château de la Charrière. They are known for a "reasoned" approach to viticulture, focusing on the natural cycle of the vine to maintain freshness.

🍷 2024 Tasting Notes (The "Vibe" in 2026)

The 2024 vintage is being praised for its "transparency"—it shows you exactly where the grapes were grown without the mask of excessive ripeness or oak.

• The Nose: Precise and flinty. It opens with high-toned aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and white hawthorn flowers. There is a distinct "gunflint" or smoky mineral quality that is a hallmark of this specific plot.

• The Palate: Vibrant and "Vertical." The attack is incredibly fresh, with a laser-like focus. You'll find flavors of unripe peach and grapefruit, supported by a light, silky texture from its time in French oak.

• The Finish: Clean and Saline. It leaves a refreshing, mouth-watering impression of crushed stones and citrus pith.

📋 Technical Snapshot

Best Paired With:

• The Seafood Match: Grilled Sea Bass or Oysters; the wine’s salinity and sharp acidity act as a perfect foil for fresh, briny seafood.

• The Classic: Goat Cheese (Chèvre); the tanginess of the cheese mirrors the wine's citrus nerve.

• The "Bistro" Choice: Poultry in a light cream sauce; the wine's acidity cuts through the cream while its oak-derived texture complements the chicken.

Pro Tip: In 2026, the 2024 whites are the "darlings" of Burgundy collectors who prize site expression over power. To enjoy the 'Sous la Roche' at its best, serve it at 10–11°C. It doesn't need long decanting—just 15 minutes in the glass will let those delicate white flower and limestone aromas emerge.