On the northern edge of Gevrey, where the slope quickens and the morning light enlivens the vines, the Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Champeaux 2023 from Château de Marsannay marks a moment of pure elegance. Born of brown clay and shallow limestone soils, this Pinot Noir is concentrated on a confidential plot of around 0.29 hectare, where mineral tension meets fruit energy. The harvest is manual, sorting uncompromising, the grapes fully destemmed, then wrapped in a cold pre-fermentation maceration before a precisely managed fermentation featuring measured punchdowns and pump-overs. An ageing of 12 months in oak barrels, with 75% new oak, followed by 5 months in vat, dresses the material without constraining it. The result is a characterful Premier Cru, combining the authority of Gevrey's great terroirs with a satiny grace, designed for the table and for ageing, prized by discerning enthusiasts and chefs seeking perfect matches.

Blend and vinification

Produced exclusively from Pinot Noir planted on the climat Champeaux, this 1er Cru comes from a fully manual harvest and rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and the cellar. After total destemming, the grapes undergo a cold pre-fermentation maceration in temperature-controlled wooden vats to preserve aromatic delicacy and refine texture. The alcoholic fermentation is punctuated by measured punchdowns and pump-overs, favouring infusion of the material over brute extraction. The 12 months' ageing in oak barrels, with 75% new oak, brings depth and complexity, then a 5-month vat ageing unifies the components and refines the tannins. This patient orchestration respects the integrity of the fruit and seals the Champeaux signature, between uprightness and voluptuousness.

Tasting notes

• Appearance: Deep ruby with garnet highlights, bright and dense, promising concentrated material and good cellar evolution.
• Nose: A noble ensemble of morello cherry and blackberry, dark florals, fine pepper, a touch of nutmeg and incense, then a stony thread recalling the slope's clay-limestone.
• Palate: Broad yet precise entry, chiselled tannins, juicy dark fruit underlined by noble spices. A precise, salivating length concludes with a persistent, energetic and silky finish.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve between 15 and 16°C in large Burgundy-style glasses to showcase the bouquet and texture. When young, a 30–45 minute decant will help release aromatic drive and integrate the oak. Store in a cool cellar, protected from vibration and light. Its cellaring potential ranges from 5 to 15 years, depending on your preference for fresh fruit or tertiary complexity.

Food pairings

• Red meats: dry-aged côte de boeuf, reduced Kampot pepper jus.
• Game: civet de lièvre à la royale, melting meat and dark sauce that call for Champeaux's depth.
• Noble poultry: roasted pigeon, black cherry reduction, creamy polenta.
• Mushrooms: cep risotto, shavings of aged Parmesan, truffle jus.
• Cheeses: mature comté, jurassian tomme, well-aged Brie.

Occasions

This Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru is the natural companion to great tables and chosen moments, when cooking tells a story and the wine plays a discreet but essential leading role.

• For a gastronomic dinner where balance matters more than showmanship.
• For cellaring, to follow the unfolding of its complexity over the years.
• As an insider's gift for a discerning lover of Burgundy.

Details

• Name : Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Champeaux 2023, Château de Marsannay
• Appellation : Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru AOC
• Type : Red wine
• Vintage : 2023
• Grape : Pinot Noir (100%)
• Ageing : 12 months in oak barrels, 75% new oak, then 5 months in vat
• Terroir : shallow brown clay-limestone, east-facing, parcel of around 0.29 ha
• Cellaring : 5 to 15 years
• Serving temperature : 15–16°C
• Vinification : hand-harvested, sorting, total destemming, cold pre-fermentation maceration, fermentation with punchdowns and pump-overs