Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Rouge, Clou 377 AOP 2021

Wine Description for Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Rouge, Clou 377 AOP 2021 by Boris Champy

Colour & Appearance

Intense purple-red with youthful brilliance – a wine that reveals its origin from the higher elevations already in the glass.

Nose

Dark and spicy, this Hautes-Côtes presents itself with confidence. Red cherries, plums and wild strawberries combine with a fascinating mineral component of graphite and stone. These are joined by frankincense, subtle mint and elegantly restrained wood that never dominates but rather lends depth to the fruit.

Palate

On the palate, Boris Champy demonstrates his mastery: A fine, enveloping tannin carries the dark fruit, whilst a vibrant acidity provides tension and drive. The wine possesses a pleasant smoothness and surprising substance for a Bourgogne. The new wood used at 30 per cent is perfectly integrated and underscores the complexity without being obtrusive.

Finish

Persistent and spicy with a beautiful mineral freshness that invites the next sip.

Terroir & Origin

The parcel Le Clou in Nantoux sits at a remarkable 377 metres elevation – one of the highest vineyard sites in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune. The soil of white clay with a high limestone-marl content is extremely stony, which Champy himself refers to as his „Châteauneuf“ – an allusion to the galets of the Rhône. This austere minerality fundamentally shapes the character of the wine.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pinot Noir from old vines with over 10,000 plants per hectare. The 2021 vintage, with its botrytis problems, forced Champy to an unconventional solution: complete destemming, sulphur treatment of the stems and subsequent layering as a millefeuille of berries and stems. Gentle extraction and twelve months ageing in fuder (30% new wood) rounded out the wine.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pork medallions with hazelnut crust and plums, duck breast glazed with coffee liqueur and figs or roast beef with home-fried potatoes and Brussels sprouts – the wine pairs well with robust, spicy meat dishes with substance.

Special Characteristics

A Bourgogne with village character: Boris Champy proves that the Hautes-Côtes can produce wines of remarkable depth and complexity when worked with uncompromising standards. Moderate 12.5% alcohol underscores the elegance.