NYC, Long Island and The Hamptons Receive Free Delivery on Orders $300+
Refer Your Friends & Earn Referral Bonuses!

2016 Maison Champy Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru

2016 Maison Champy Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru

92 BH

Availability:
Featured Review
A well-layered nose blends notes of citrus, mineral reduction, Granny Smith apples and a touch of wood toast. There is both excellent minerality and punch to the moderately concentrated flavors that possess slightly better ripeness on the clean, dry and persistent finale. (Drink starting 2024) Burghound

Burghound | 92 BH

Critic Reviews

A well-layered nose blends notes of citrus, mineral reduction, Granny Smith apples and a touch of wood toast. There is both excellent minerality and punch to the moderately concentrated flavors that possess slightly better ripeness on the clean, dry and persistent finale. (Drink starting 2024)

Burghound | 92 BH

Wine Details for 2016 Maison Champy Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru

Type of Wine Burgundy White : No one can express the full potential of Chardonnay quite like the visionaries from Burgundy. With an almost entirely single-minded devotion to the noble varietal in question, they continue to push the boundaries of quality, to the joy of their many fans worldwide. Discover the nuances of every producer and come out changed forever.
Varietal Chardonnay : Chardonnay has carved its path towards the title “king of white grapes” in subtle yet striking fashion, playing instrumental roles throughout the course of history. It was the chosen grape variety which celebrated the inception of the very first Champagne house - Ruinart, which insists “Chardonnay is the golden thread that runs through the Ruinart taste. “ “Remember men, it’s not just France we’re fighting for, it’s Champagne,” Winston Churchill. The infamous and celebrated French author, Alexandre Dumas once declared a high quality chardonnay wine from Le Montrachet was one that is only appropriate to sip “on bended knees, with head bowed.” And of course, history was made once again when a bottle of 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay was awarded first prize in the famous tasting of the “1976 Judgement of Paris,” changing the world’s view on California Chardonnay, inspiring vintners and altering the landscape of California winemaking forever.

The origin of the Chardonnay grape can be traced back to the small village of Macon in the Burgundy appellation of France. The varietal, whose name means “a place of thistles” in Latin, is the offspring of Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc. Like most prominent grape varietals, the exact circumstances of its inception are unknown; however, it is interesting to note that Gouais Blanc originated in Germany. It is speculated that the ancient Romans, who successfully subdued the Germanic tribes in 6 AD, planted Gouais Blanc in French soil, unwittingly prompting the crossbreeding of the two varietals. If this is the case, the history of the Chardonnay grape goes back much further.

The Noble Chardonnay grape variety is most happy in the winegrowing appellation of Burgundy, its home and birth place. Burgundy’s grand Terroir of marl limestone soils and cool climate allows the Chardonnay grape to express itself to its full zenith. Interestingly, the varietal is extremely flexible and can adapt to a wide diversity of soils, allowing the terroir in which it grows to dictate the qualities of the grape and thus revealing a multitude of personalities. For instance, there are subtle yet distinguishing differences in terroir in the Burgundian villages of Puligny-Montrachet, Chablis, Meursault, Corton Charlemagne, Macon, etc. which are all fashioned in their own unique way. The difference in each Climat or Lieu-dit, such as Le Montrachet (Puligny-Montrachet) and Valmur (Chablis) can take one further down the proverbial “rabbit-hole” and into the wonderful, yet complex world of Burgundy wines. However, Burgundy is but one prime growing location for this tremendously adaptable grape variety.

The spread of Chardonnay would eventually take root in Champagne, where it excelled in the region’s cool climate and chalky, sub-soils. For top Champagne producers, it became the main ingredient in their high quality, high profile Blanc de Blancs. It would also begin to be blended with the two other acceptable varietals of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (red skinned grapes). The chardonnay grape is now planted in 10,000 of the 34,000 hectares of Champagne.

Chardonnay would find its way to California in the late 1800’s but would remain obscure for more than a century due to ignorance of the varietal and lack of knowledge on how to marry it with appropriate terroir. Things changed in the 1970’s when Chardonnay saw a resurgence world-wide, mostly due to the 1976 Judgement of Paris. The unthinkable happened when a bottle of 1973 Chateau Montelena bested some of Burgundy’s finest chardonnay offerings from Batard-Montrachet and Meursault. This event helped place California on the map, changing the face of California winemaking forever. It rejuvenated the cultivation of the Chardonnay grape variety, which saw an exponential growth world-wide.
Much like the climats of Burgundy which have their own unique terroir, Chardonnay’s adaptability has found a home in the diverse appellations, terroirs and climates of California. The cool climate locations produce crisp wines with Burgundian nuances, while warmer climates produce wines with opulent, ripe fruit reminiscent of pineapple, mango and papaya. Terroir also dictates the personality, steel and concrete tanks versus oak, and the list goes. From buttery, oak-infused heady wines to crisp, refreshing cool climate fashioned Chardonnays, the grape variety can be extremely modified. There are not enough letters in Microsoft Word to demonstrate all the different nuances, qualities, differences of terroir, climate and winemaking techniques that would encompass in full, the details of the Chardonnay grape.

The well-travelled grape varietal of Chardonnay has become the fascination of consumers around the world, becoming the most written about of all grapes. Today, it is planted in over 40 countries, amassing an impressive 211,000 hectares (500,000 acres) across the globe. From Burgundy to Champagne, Napa to Sonoma, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, Chardonnay graces vineyards around the world, captivating its audience with its multiple personalities. “So powerful is the ‘C-word’ on a wine label,” as the famed Jancis Robinson exclaimed. Since its discovery in Macon, this C-word has become a dominant force in the world of wine, changing history, winemaking and the understanding of winegrowing and its powerful attributes to a single varietal.

Country France : Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world.



For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide.



France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity.



France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.



With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive.


Region Burgundy : Situated just west of the beautiful river Saone, the hills and valleys of Burgundy stand as they have stood since medieval times, and you can almost hear the cheerful chatter of vineyard workers from miles away. Indeed, France's identity in the world of wine would be incomplete without the inclusion of Burgundy and its many viticultural achievements. Every little sub-region of the area boasts a unique soil composition, which, when combined with the area's climate conditions, creates an incredibly diverse and appealing selection of fine wines.

Every new bottle is an adventure of its own, and a snapshot of its birthplace. You could spend years sampling great Burgundian wines, and you would still have a lot to learn, which is what makes the region so compelling for veterans and novice wine lovers alike. No matter what your taste in wines may be, there is a winery in Burgundy that could mesmerize your mind and make your senses scream with joy. And what better way to spend a comfy summer afternoon with your friends and family than with a classy bottle from some of the region's most reputable wineries? From the noble slopes of Cote d'Or to the flatlands near various settlements, let us help you on your journey as we explore Burgundy's most delicious and renowned wines.
Subregion Cote de Beaune
Appellation Corton Charlemagne
Cru Grand Cru

Overview

Producer Maison Champy : As the oldest documented wine company in Burgundy (1720) Maison Champy has accrued centuries of viticultural experience, witnessed an incredible amount of Burgundian history and helped play an integral role in the development of the region. During the 19th Century, Champy was one of the major negociants in Burgundy, on par with the likes of the great Bouchard Pere et Fils and Louis Latour. The company was greatly involved in wine competitions throughout the world, gaining great recognition and receiving many awards during world fairs, including the 1900 Universal Exhibitions in Paris and winning the gold medal in the same competition in St. Louis, Missouri in 1904. Champy remains and operational legacy, cultivating some of the finest terroirs in the Cote de Beaune and producing the finest examples of those appellations and climats. In early 2021, it was classified as a ‘living heritage company’ by the government, which awards this status to French companies founded on artisanal and industrial excellence (it is the only company to have received the award that is more than 100 years old).

Located in the heart of the city of Beaune, Maison Champy cultivates 21 hectares of vineyards, encompassing land in Volnay, Pommard, Beaune, Savigny-les-Beaune and Aloxe-Corton and Pernand-Vergelesses. It also includes estate Domaine Lalcure-Pilot, acquired by Champy in 2010. The exceptional terroir of these appellations is preserved and highlighted by the company’s organic approach. With precision winegrowing as their main objective, the importance of the environment means that every single treatment follows the practices of sustainable and organic farming. Of the 21 hectares, 50% are Certified Organic while the other 50% are High Environmental Value (HVE) certified. A commendable and preserving practice that not only assures the protection of the land, air and water, but also allows for precise, terroir-driven wines that reflect the earth’s true qualities.

Maison Champy is led by an expert and veteran team of wine professionals, whose collective tenure at Champy exceeds 90 years. Dmitri Bazas, Technical Director and Oenologist, crafts with passion and expertise, supported by Vineyard Manager, Francis Simon, who has spent the last 20 years highlighting the vineyard’s potential while protecting the environment. Jose Ramalho, Cellar Master, has dedicated the past 35 years to ensuring that all cellar practices are maintained and implemented with passion and detail. In 2016, Thierry Bellicaud joined the team and is now the head of the oldest wine company in Burgundy.

The vineyards of Champy are some of the most historical and revered sites in Burgundy including Le Beaune Premier Cru Aux Cras; a climat, famous for having been listed as a “Tete de Cuvee” in Docteur Laval’s 1855 wine list, one of the highest rated crus in all of Burgundy. Le Clos de Bully en Pernand-Vergelesses, planted in 1158 by the monks of the Abbey of Maizieres and is one of the oldest active vineyards in Burgundy. Additionally, the company has holdings in Le Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru, one of the most exceptional terroirs in Burgundy as well as one of the most historical climats. These locations are among the many fine locales which breathe life into the wine portfolio of Maison Champy.

The collection of wine labels are highlighted by the Grand Crus of Corton Le Rognet, Corton Charlemagne, Charmes Chambertin, Clos-de-Vougeot, Echezeaux and Mazis Chambertin, an exceptional offering of Premier Crus from Savigny-Les-Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses, Chassagne Montrachet, Vosne Romanee, and numerous regional, appellation and village wines, both red and white. Collectively, the Maison Champy output onto the world market is around 40,000 to 45,000 cases each year. With over three centuries of experience cultivating, vinifying and marketing exceptional wines, Champy is a living legend and its legacy continues with no foreseen end to its reign, which is positively exciting for consumers, collectors and enthusiasts around the world.

People also bought:

Need Help Finding the right wine?

Your personal wine consultant will assist you with buying, managing your collection, investing in wine, entertaining and more.

loader
Loading...