At a glance

Producer

Maison Champy

Region

Corton Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France

Grape variety

Pinot Noir

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$160-220 USD

Tasting profile

Expressive red and black cherry, wild berry, violet, crushed rock, spice, subtle oak; tannins somewhat assertive

Evolution: Over time, more sous-bois, earthy, truffle, and savory complexity; tannins become silkier, fruit mellows

At peak: Sweet spot for balance of fruit, earth, and tertiary notes; elegant, supple texture, long finish

Structure

Acidity

Vibrant, classic for Corton

Tannins

Firm, grippy but beginning to soften

Alcohol

13.5% ABV (typical for Burgundy Grand Cru 2018)

Aging potential

Long—capable of 15-25 years cellaring in good conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2050

Optimal window

2025 to 2053

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Structured, primary and early secondary notes emerging, tannins present but integrating, cellarworthy

Top Corton Rognet Grand Crus are slow to develop: while approachable after around 7-8 years, their full nuance, mushroom, and earthy character shine after a decade+; 2018’s power grants longevity.

Food pairing

Roast duck, venison loin with blackberry sauce, mushroom risotto, aged Comté, boeuf bourguignon

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften youthful tannins and allow aromatic complexity to unfold

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Maison Champy demonstrates strong environmental awareness: vineyard biodiversity, limited synthetic use, cover cropping, and water management; solar panels at winery; lightweight bottles for reduced shipping impact

Maison Champy—Burgundy’s oldest négociant, with notable environmental initiatives—has HVE Level 3, France’s stringent sustainable certification. They’re advanced in vineyard care, biodiversity, and energy savings at the facility, but full organic certification and zero-carbon shipping are not yet reached. Their lighter bottles are a plus, but like most Burgundian estates, global shipping to key markets adds to carbon output. Water and energy usage are actively managed, with moves toward renewable electricity. Overall, Champy is a leader among large historic Burgundy houses, though not as advanced as top certified biodynamic/sustainable small estates. Score: 6/10.