Champy : Clos de la Roche Grand cru 2003

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2003 Champy

Tasting notes

Colour
The colour reveals a deep, magnificent ruby hue.

Nose
Complex and opulent, the bouquet opens with intense aromas of black cherry, subtly enriched by secondary notes of musk and cigar box linked to its evolution.

Palate
The palate stands out for its velvety tannins, perfectly smoothed and integrated over time. The balance is remarkable, leading to an exceptionally long finish.

Food and wine pairing

This Grand Cru pairs beautifully with tender beef dishes such as filet mignon with mushrooms, braised veal, or roasted poultry and game (duck, pheasant, venison). It also enhances truffle-based dishes and mature cheeses such as Comté, Gruyère or a characterful Brie.

Service and storage

To fully appreciate the complexity of the Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2003, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 15 and 16°C. Having reached a fine level of maturity, this wine can be enjoyed now, while still retaining the structure needed to continue evolving favourably in the cellar for patient collectors.

The elegance and complexity of a Grand Cru from Burgundy by Maison Champy

The estate

Founded in 1720 by Edmé Champy, Maison Champy is the oldest négociant house still in operation in Burgundy. Located in the heart of Beaune, this historic institution has successfully combined tradition with scientific innovation, notably through a past collaboration with Louis Pasteur. Now led by Pierre Meurgey, the estate has grown into a leading domaine overseeing a vineyard of around 37 hectares. Committed to a strong environmental approach, all of its vines are currently being converted to biodynamic viticulture, ensuring the authentic expression of its prestigious terroirs.

The vineyard

The Clos de la Roche is a prestigious vineyard covering 16.73 hectares in the commune of Morey-Saint-Denis, in the Côte de Nuits. Facing east and southeast, at an altitude of around 250 metres, the vines flourish on a distinctive terroir. The shallow soils (around thirty centimetres deep) rest on a limestone base and are characterised by the presence of large rocks and pebbles, which incidentally gave this Grand Cru its name.

The vintage

The year 2003 remains etched in Burgundian memory for its extreme climatic conditions, marked by a prolonged heatwave and drought throughout the growing season. These exceptional summer temperatures led to a very rapid ripening of the berries, resulting in a particularly early harvest starting in mid-August, barely eighty days after flowering.

Winemaking and aging

The making of the Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2003 required particular attention during fermentation to extract the material gently and precisely. The wine was then aged for an extended period in French oak barrels, sourced specifically from the forests of Allier and Tronçais, allowing its tannic structure to refine before continuing its slow maturation in bottle.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir