Domaine Boris Champy, Aux Coucherias, Beaune Premier Cru, Burgundy, France, 2021

Overview of the Wine
Our Domaine was founded by Didier Montchovet in 1984, when he took out the lease for a tiny 0.5-hectare plot of vines in Nantoux. From a vigneron family in Nantoux, this young consultant winemaker and wine tasting instructor, worked the vineyards using organic and biodynamic growing methods, listening to and respecting nature. We are the first wine domaine in Burgundy to have received Demeter biodynamic certification.

Over the years, the domaine has expanded its surface area through the purchase of other small plots of vines, but it has retained its roots in Nantoux in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune. In around 1990, two large plots covering 5 ha, Montagne de Cras and En Bignon, were planted with Lyre-trained vines. The original vines had been grubbed up in the 1900s after the Phylloxera crisis so the land had never been treated with chemicals!

The Domaine’s wines are now being appreciated by an increasing number of customers, both in France and abroad. In more challenging years when the weather has not been kind, and in order to protect his business, Didier Montchovet buys in certified organic grapes from some of his fellow winegrowers in terroirs such as Volnay. Boris Champy continues to buy grapes under the name Petit Aigle.

Today, the Domaine extends over around 12 ha with two large areas

Biodynamic & organic

Winemaker
Didier Montchovet

Grape / Blend
100% Pinot Noir

Origin
Burgundy, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Notes of cherry and liquorice on the nose underpinned by a light touch of oak. Supple and appetising on the palate, with lovely body and lush red and black fruit. Well-defined tannins on the finish. Enjoy with grilled red meats, mushroom risotto or a mature Mimolette cheese. Cellaring: 8-20 years.

94 Points - Vinous
The 2021 Beaune Aux Coucherias 1er Cru, which includes 55% stems, has a very clean and pure bouquet with raspberry, wild strawberry, crushed stone, and floral scents that are vivacious, lively, and very seductive. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins; it's beautifully balanced with a sensual and very harmonious finish. Superb.

93 Points - James Suckling
Complex nose of dried herbs and savory, the red berry fruit expanding rapidly as it aerates in the glass. Daringly light in body for the appellation (12.5% alcohol) this Beaune 1er Cru is all about cool elegance on the finely-nuanced palate. Long, crisp finish with notes of oolong tea and wild herbs. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drinkable now, but best from 2024.

91 Points - Wine Advocate
Revealing aromas of sweet spices, plums, orange zest, peony and petals, the 2021 Beaune 1er Cru Coucherias is medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, with bright acids and a saline, gently vanillin-inflected finish.

Product size: 750ml