…liquid history

In the summer of 2022, I enjoyed a couple of days in Burgundy. And while there, I was invited to share some quality time with the team at Maison Champy in the centre of Beaune. After visiting a few vineyards in the morning, I spent the afternoon exploring their winery and 15th century cellar, then into the tasting room to work through their current vintage wines.
Maison Champy is recorded as the oldest operating wine company in Burgundy, with its history dating back to 1720. Maison Champy owns around 21 hectares of highly prized vineyards across this historical wine region. With all farming practises focused on expressing the true character of the terroir at each site and in the crafted wines. In 2021, the winery was declared an historic site by UNESCO, with the current winery being designed by the famed architect, Gustave Eiffel (yes that Eiffel) and it sits above the ancient 15th century cellar of the local Jacobin Monks, and where their wines now age in the heart of Beaune.
It was also at Maison Champy where renowned scientist, Louis Pasteur (yes that Pasteur) set up a laboratory and developed the pasteurization method. When Pasteur published his findings, he gave special thanks to Claude Champy. Pasteur’s laboratory and equipment can still be seen today when visiting the Maison.
The wine team at Champy have worked together for many years - led by Dimitri Bazas who has been the custodian of their wine styles for more than 20 years. And the Cellar Master - José Ramalho is Champy’s longest-serving team member, having tended the barrels for some 35 years. Together the team bring incredible experience and expertise to each vintage, from the grape to the glass.
This Pinot Noir is a 'Grand Cru' single vineyard, that was aged for around 14 months in classic French oak barriques before tasting and then estate bottling under cork.

★ A classic deep cherry colour. The reserved nose slowly reveals aromas of a box of cherry-chocolates, along with ripe plums, mixed peppers and a deft smoky note. This wine has a complete 720-degree engagement that encompasses the palate, with a well-structured character, expressing classic mixed cherries, cacao, lightly roasted coffee-beans, dried herbs, a hint of allspice and infused tobacco leaf. This Pinot Noir is elegantly balanced with an honest amount of varietal acidity, fine grained tannins, stealth vanilla oak and what seems like an endless smooth finish.

This 2017 Maison Champy ‘Grand Cru’ Corton Le Rognet has 13% Alc./vol. Crafted in a classic dry style. Respectful decanting and serve in an appropriately shaped medium red wine glass at 15°- 17°C. *NZ$349.00

CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Article Posted 28/9/24)
With respectful decanting, drinking well this season; plus, will age nicely for another 12 - 15 years.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with Canard Aux Cerises, lamb cutlets, roast pork with a cherry sauce, classic prosciutto & black olive pizza, mushroom & truffle pasta, earthy vegetarian cuisine, plus truffle brie cheese - enjoy.