Champy : Clos Saint-Denis Grand cru 2005

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2005 Champy

Tasting

Colour
The visual appearance of this French wine reveals a deep ruby red hue. With time, this intense colour may develop delicate garnet or brick nuances at the rim of the glass.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet proves complex and evolving. It opens with aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry and violet, underscored by hints of undergrowth. On aeration, wilder notes of game emerge, mingled with hints of cigar and exotic wood from its time in barrel.

Palate
The attack is fine and supple, introducing a full-bodied, elegant texture. The velvety mouthfeel rests on silky, perfectly integrated tannins. A lovely freshness balances the whole, leading to a long finish marked by flavours of candied fruit.

Food and wine pairing

This wine pairs wonderfully with poultry such as duck or goose, particularly when accompanied by a cherry or plum sauce. It also complements duck breast with foie gras, feathered game with mushrooms, or a fine piece of beef. More delicate meats such as braised veal in cream sauce or herb-roasted lamb also make excellent choices, as do a platter of soft-rind cheeses or Asian dishes featuring glazed poultry.

Service and storage

For an optimal tasting experience, it is recommended to serve this wine at a temperature of 16°C, taking care to decant it beforehand to release all its aromas and separate any sediment. This Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2005 has reached its full maturity and offers an ideal drinking window through to around 2030, although its potential may extend beyond that for patient wine lovers.

The elegance and complexity of a grand cru from the Côte de Nuits

The estate

Founded in 1720, Maison Champy is the oldest still-operating wine house in Burgundy. Located in the heart of Beaune, it draws on a rich historical heritage, notably marked by collaborations with Louis Pasteur and Gustave Eiffel. The estate today cultivates a vineyard of approximately 21 to 22 hectares, a large part of which is certified organic, reflecting its deep respect for the environment. Since 2016, the estate has belonged to the AdVini group and is led by Thierry Bellicaud, who continues the centuries-old expertise of this institution.

The vineyard

Clos Saint-Denis is a renowned terroir located in the commune of Morey-Saint-Denis, nestled between Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musigny. Rising to around 250 metres in altitude, this climat benefits from an ideal east and south-east facing exposure, shielding it from excessive afternoon heat. Its soils consist of brown limestone free of pebbles, enriched with phosphorus and clay. This distinctive geology gives the grapes great finesse and a lovely mineral complexity.

The vintage

The year 2005 began with a mild, dry winter, followed by a rapid warming in May that encouraged early flowering. The summer season was marked by an intense drought from late May through to the end of August. However, unlike other very hot years, August turned out grey and relatively cool. This lack of water, combined with moderate temperatures, helped maintain perfect vine health while encouraging slow ripening. The berries thus developed thick skins, offering fine concentration and a harmonious balance between sugar and acidity.

Winemaking and aging

Thanks to the perfect ripeness of the grapes harvested that year, cellar interventions were kept to a minimum to allow the terroir to fully express itself. Extraction was carried out gently during fermentation. This Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2005 was then aged in oak barrels, giving the wine its structure and subtle woody notes.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir