Givry

The Givry wine appellation is located in the Burgundy region of France. The wines are predominantly red, made from the Pinot Noir grape. However, a small percentage is produced from the Chardonnay grape, which is white. Burgundy is famous for its high wine production rates and is among France's five primary wine-producing regions. Givry is the smallest of the five Appellation d'Origine Contrôleés in the department, yet so important. The Majority of Givry vineyards are classified as Premier Cru, meaning very high quality. All Premier Cru wines are made under their local commune appellation, and their Premier Cru labels indicate their superior provenance. Givry wines are typically light in body, fruity, and have moderate acidity. 

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Where is Givry located?

Givry is situated in the Saône-et-Loire department in the region of Burgundy in eastern France. Apart from Givry itself, Givry wine is also produced in the communes of Dracy-le-Fort and Jambles in the Côte Chalonnaise subregion of Burgundy. The total vineyard surface covers around 300 hectares, designated primarily for Pinot Noir grape production. The prominent neighbouring appellations are Mercurey, also producing predominantly red wines from the Pinot Noir grape variety and Montagny, which exclusively produces wines classified as Premier Cru.

History of Givry appellation

The region has a long history of Givry grape cultivation since the Middle Ages, and Givry has been the epicentre of Charlonnaise wine production for a while. In the 16th century, it became King Henri IV's favourite wine; therefore, it has been the site of active viticulture for more than 500 hundred years. Impressed by its uniqueness, the French writer and critic Philippe Sollers also wrote about Givry wine in his autobiography: “Being born into a culture of French wine is a deeply fortifying and sobering experience that becomes a part of you. As a child, one does not even need to read Rabelais – his words live and speak all around”. Givry wine earned appellation status in 1946. Nowadays, also thanks to its preserved environment, Givry attracts and delights the multitude of green tourism enthusiasts, wine-lovers and oenologists from all over the world.

Type of Givry Terroir

Climate is a critical factor in determining the quality of grapes and wine; the Givry appellation is characterized by its continental climate. The region is not too cold, but it is not very hot either. Summer is long and fairly warm, warmer than the Northern communes of the area, which is great for harvest. Climate has a direct impact on the taste of the wine, too, as it stimulates the ripening period; therefore, due to a propitious climate, Givry wines have an excellent taste and the ability to retain a certain freshness. 

The Givry soil is mainly composed of sand, clay, and limestone, has a high capacity for water retention and is resistant to erosion. The soil there is quite fertile for Pinot Noir grapes, but vineyards grow exceptionally well on the south-facing, limestone-rich slopes. The altitude in this region varies, but is usually between 150 and 300 meters. Thus, the vineyards can be divided into several geographical sections, and respectively the wines vary in texture, complexity and ageing potential.

Givry wine characteristics

Givry wines are singular with their intensity and their lightness at the same time. All wines at the Givry appellation are categorized as Premier Cru. The appellation includes 38 named Givry Premiers Crus vineyard sites, producing mainly (80-90%) red wine from Pinot Noir grape variety and the rest 10-20% of white wine from Chardonnay grapes. All Givry wines have rustic notes, are lower in tannin and have diverse, delicate aromas. The red wine flavours vary from violets, blackberries, strawberries, and cherries to liquorices and sometimes spices, having a firm structure and best served at 15 °C. While white wine can have aromas of honey, dried fruits, lemon, lime, and lily, being more tender, recommended being served at 11-13 °C. Both red and white wines have extended ageing potential and are quite affordable; the price-quality ratio is remarkable, as mentioned both by vendors and wine lovers. 

Foods to pair with Givry wine

Lamb tagine with prunes and spiced couscous

This Franco-Morrocan dish is very common in Burgundy, made from lamb, plum tomatoes, prunes, herbs, and lots of spices, it is accompanied by couscous. This slightly sweet, salty and spicy delicacy is perfectly paired with Givry red wine, and its flavours go exceptionally well with the fruity notes of the wine. 

Roast pike-perch with pears and liquorice root

This traditional French dish is cooked with pike-perch fish, butter, liquorice root, leak, and pear. For its silky, meaty texture and a little sour notes, this meal is an excellent choice to savour with your favourite Givry wine.

Charcuterie and cheese platter

A simple and delicious mix of meat and cheese is also great if you are having a wine tasting just with appetizers or an apéro, as the French say. Traditional French charcuterie offers a great variety of raw and cooked hams, pâtés like foie gras and French cheeses, among which soft-centred cheeses like Camembert, Brie de Meaux and Reblochon are said to be the best accompaniment for Givry wine. 

Places to visit in Givry

Château de Sercy

This magnificent château is a historical monument dating back to the 12th century, an absolute must-see in the region. The Castle amazes its guests not only with extraordinary architecture but also with an exquisite garden, big lake and superb views of nature.

Halle ronde

The “Halle Ronde” is also a historical monument built in the 19th century, which used to be a market earlier where people used to exchange corn and wheat flour. It attracts tourists' attention due to its round shape, meaning “ronde” in French, and its amazing view from the top of the building. 

Acrogivry “L'Aventure en Foret”

If you are an adventurer or a lover of outdoor activities, Acrogivry “L'Aventure en Foret” is undoubtedly a place for you. This massive forest offers 16 protected acrobatic courses, with over 150 airborne attractions and 10 Tyrolean traverses, including a giant run 250 meters long and a unique path designed nearly 25 meters aboveground. Persons of any age can find interesting activities for them.

Frequently Asked Questions about Givry