Champy : Clos Saint-Denis Grand cru 2003

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of the Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2003 by Champy

Tasting

Appearance
A ruby red hue, enhanced by delicate orange and tawny reflections that reveal its evolution.

Nose
Beautifully intense, the aromatic bouquet opens with scents of very ripe fruit, candied cherry and kirsch. It then gains complexity with touches of spice, liquorice and violet, before revealing noble tertiary notes evoking undergrowth, truffle and game.

Palate
The attack is fine, supple and remarkably long. The palate seduces with its velvety texture and balance, extending into a finish carried by particularly soft and silky tannins.

Food and Wine Pairing

This wine pairs wonderfully with characterful meats of delicate texture, such as guinea fowl, roast beef fillet or duck breast with cherries. It will also elevate game dishes such as hare stew or venison, as well as washed-rind aged cheeses like Époisses or Livarot.

The Elegance and Aromatic Complexity of a Grand Cru from Morey-Saint-Denis

The Estate

Founded in 1720 in Beaune by cooper Edme Champy, Maison Champy is the oldest merchant house in Burgundy still in operation. This historic estate, renowned for its scientific collaboration with Louis Pasteur in the 19th century, is now home to the city's last remaining intramural production site. Owned by the AdVini group since 2016 and led by Thierry Bellicaud alongside winemaker Dimitri Bazas, the house cultivates 21 hectares of vines in the Côte de Beaune, certified organic and Haute Valeur Environnementale. Its expertise was recognised with the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label in 2021.

The Vineyard

The Clos Saint-Denis is an iconic grand cru located in the commune of Morey-Saint-Denis, at the heart of the Côte de Nuits. Set on a mid-slope, this terroir is composed of brown limestone soils mixed with marl. This deep geological structure ensures excellent water retention, promoting even ripening of the berries and giving the pinot noir remarkable aromatic complexity.

The Vintage

The year 2003 was marked by an exceptionally hot summer and a historic heatwave across Europe. These extreme weather conditions led to very rapid ripening of the grapes during the growing season.

Winemaking and Ageing

Crafted with the utmost care, this Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2003 benefits from the house's expertise in merchant winemaking and ageing. The wines are aged for an extended period in the historic cellars of Beaune, some of which date back to the 15th century. The controlled use of oak barrels refines the tannic structure while preserving the characteristic finesse of this terroir.

Grape Variety

This wine is made from 100% pinot noir.