Join us this Saturday for a special tasting featuring two exciting up-and-coming winemakers from Burgundy. Discover elegant, expressive wines that highlight the next generation of talent in this iconic region.
Saturday 10th May
2.00pm-5.00pm
Open on the day:
2.00pm-5.00pm
Open on the day:
'23 Frantz Chagnoleau Mâcon Villages 'Clos Saint Pancras' $65
'23 Chagnoleau Saint Véran 'Prelude' $85
'22 Boris Champy Hautes Cotes de Beaune Blanc 'Montagne 382' $88
'22 Boris Champy Coteaux Bourguignons Rouge 'Gamay Fin' $72
'22 Boris Champy Hautes Côtes de Beaune Rouge 'Altitude' $89
'22 Boris Champy Pommard 'En Bouef' $165
'23 Chagnoleau Saint Véran 'Prelude' $85
'22 Boris Champy Hautes Cotes de Beaune Blanc 'Montagne 382' $88
'22 Boris Champy Coteaux Bourguignons Rouge 'Gamay Fin' $72
'22 Boris Champy Hautes Côtes de Beaune Rouge 'Altitude' $89
'22 Boris Champy Pommard 'En Bouef' $165
Enjoy 10% discount when you purchase any three bottles on the day.
Hosted by Jeremy Muller of Halle aux Vines, and free of charge.
Burgundy
Burgundy is a region that captures the imagination of wine enthusiasts around the world. It is a place where wine knowledge is as elusive as it is fascinating—seemingly impenetrable to the casual observer, yet endlessly complex and rewarding for those who dedicate themselves to its study. While the basic premise is simple—red Burgundy is predominantly made from Pinot Noir, and white Burgundy from Chardonnay—the reality is far more intricate, involving a vast network of appellations, numerous producers, and a constant play of climate and vintage variability.
Burgundy's history of winemaking spans over 2,000 years, originating with Roman settlers in the first century CE. The region's wines gained fame over the centuries, especially under the rule of the Benedictine and Cistercian monks in the Middle Ages, who were instrumental in cultivating the region's vineyards. As a result, Burgundy’s vineyards became some of the most renowned in the world. The Cistercians, in particular, were responsible for many of the great vineyards still in production today, including the famous Clos Vougeot. During the 15th century, Burgundy wines became prized possessions, sought after across Europe, and the ducal courts worked to regulate and enhance their quality. These early efforts at quality control led to the rise of the prestigious crus that define Burgundy’s reputation today.
Following the French Revolution, Burgundy's vineyards were fragmented by political upheaval. Land that had once been held by the Church or the nobility was redistributed, creating a fragmented ownership structure that still exists today. As a result, many of Burgundy's growers have relied on négociants—companies that buy and blend grapes from various growers—to handle production and distribution. While domaines (wineries that produce and bottle their own wines) have become more common in modern times, négociants continue to play a significant role in Burgundy, helping to maintain the region's international profile.
Today, Burgundy's appellation system is one of the most complex and regulated in the world, consisting of four primary tiers—régionale, village, premier cru, and grand cru. Wines at the regional level represent the largest portion of production, while grand cru wines, found in select vineyards in the Côte d’Or and Chablis, make up less than 2% of total production. This classification system serves as a guide to the region's vast array of terroirs, with each village, vineyard, and even individual plot offering its own expression of Burgundy’s unique character.
The most southerly terroir in Bourgogne, the Mâconnais covers a 10k-wide strip of vines 35km long, between Sennecey-le-Grand and Saint-Vérand. The region nestles between two valleys, the Grosne to the west and the Saône to the east. This is a winegrowing region with two faces. To the southwest of Tournus, the Monts du Mâconnais are a succession of wooded hilltops and little valleys, ideal for vine cultivation.
Further to the south, the hills give way to a grandiose landscape that is dominated by some monumental outcrops, including those of Vergisson and Solutré. The vines can be found on the slopes where soil and sunshine permit.
Here, perhaps more than in any of the Bourgogne region’s other winegrowing areas, the monks played a key role. The abbey of Cluny, founded in 909 by William I, Count of Mâcon, followed the Benedictine tradition with the principle of ora et labora (pray and labor), which drove the monks to create their own vineyards. It was, in part, in reaction to the wealth of Cluny that Robert de Moslesme founded the abbey of Cîteaux in 1098. Although the vines of Cluny were mainly located in the southern part of the current Bourgogne winegrowing region, the monks also owned vines planted further north, notably the celebrated vineyard of Romanée-St-Vivant.
Understanding Burgundy is a lifelong pursuit for many wine lovers, as the region's wines reflect a rich history, intricate winemaking techniques, and a deeply rooted connection to the land. While Burgundy can be both a sensual pleasure and an expensive disappointment, it is precisely its mercurial nature and the endless debate about its wines that makes Burgundy so captivating.
Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau: A Burgundian Artisan
" I adore these wines. They rank among the finest in the region.” Neal Martin, Vinous
"Frantz Chagnoleau is a relatively recent name in the constellation of Maconnais stars but his wines shine as bright as anybody's." Jasper Morris MW
“…stunningly good Saint-Véran that transcends its category…” Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.
“…their Saint-Véran got me entertaining the idea of Premier Cru status being extended to this appellation. On the other hand, not all winemakers have the aptitude and talent of this pair." Neal Martin, Vinous
Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau is a small estate run by two talented winemakers, Frantz Chagnoleau and his wife Caroline Gon (winemaker at Héritiers du Comte Lafon from 2006-2022). Frantz has a degree in Oenology and cut his teeth working for Olivier Merlin in the Mâconnais. Caroline holds two degrees in agricultural engineering and oenology; she worked at Newton Vineyards in Napa Valley before returning to France to work with Dominique Lafon as head winemaker for Héritiers du Comte Lafon. The relationship with Dominque as a friend and mentor has had a great influence on the couple, which is evident in a lineup of pure, terroir driven Mâconnais wines.
Since 2013 all of the vineyards have been certified organic. As with Lafon, this dynamic duo believe in minimal intervention, which includes the use of only indigenous yeast, as the best way to express the nuances of each unique terroir. Aging is done in mostly large, used French oak, harvest is done completely by hand on a plot by plot basis, allowing each vine to achieve the appropriate balance of sugar and acidity before being picked. This dynamic duo is one of the most talented teams in all of Burgundy, farming the old-fashioned way and making micro-quantities of single vineyard White Burgundy from some of the finest Chardonnay terroir in the world.
'23 Frantz Chagnoleau Macôn-Villages "Clos Saint Pancras" $65
3.5ha vineyard on the Montagne de Clesse, 240m asl with a 10-20% slope. Full easterly facing vineyard with light & stony clay/limestone soil. 30 yo vines at 7,000 vines/ha density. Whole bunch pressed, fermentation and elevage in old foudre for 10 months.
'23 Frantz Chagnoleau Saint Veran ‘Prelude’ $85
Blend of parcels in Chasselas and Prissé; Chasselas parcels are red clay soils with limestone and the Prissé soils being very stony with high levels of active limestone. South west exposure, 300-350m asl. 40 year old vines planted at 9,000 vines/ha. Wholebunch pressed to demi-muids (600L) and foudre with 5% new oak.
Boris Champy: A Pioneer in Biodynamic Viticulture in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune
The domaine was originally founded in 1984 by Didier Montchovet, who began with just a 0.5-hectare plot of vines in the village of Nantoux. Coming from a local vigneron family, Montchovet was a young consultant winemaker and wine tasting instructor who chose to farm using organic and biodynamic methods—long before these approaches became common practice. His commitment to listening to and respecting nature earned him a place in history as the founder of the first wine domaine in Burgundy to be awarded Demeter biodynamic certification.
At a time when the wine world was only beginning to question chemical-heavy agriculture, and the unique value of Burgundy’s Climats was not yet widely embraced, Montchovet emerged as a true trailblazer. He was part of a small group of visionary producers championing environmentally responsible, sustainable viticulture. Passionate about education and community, he generously shared his experience with other growers—both small and prestigious—many of whom were inspired to follow a similar path.
Between 1990 and 2020, the domaine experienced steady growth, expanding through the careful acquisition of small vineyard parcels while remaining deeply rooted in Nantoux, in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune. Around 1990, two significant plots—Montagne de Cras and En Bignon—were planted with Lyre-trained vines. Remarkably, these sites had never been treated with chemicals, having been left untouched since the Phylloxera crisis of the early 20th century.
Today, the wines of the domaine are appreciated by a growing audience in both France and international markets. In more challenging vintages, Montchovet safeguarded quality by purchasing certified organic grapes from trusted colleagues in appellations like Volnay. That spirit continues under Boris Champy, who also produces wines under the micro-négociant label Petit Aigle.
The domaine now encompasses approximately 12 hectares, including parcels in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune—such as Montagne de Cras, Le Clou, and En Bignon—as well as three closely situated plots: Pommard En Bœuf, and two Beaune Premier Crus, Aux Coucherias and Les Vignes Franches. The estate is seen as a patchwork of small, biodiversity-rich “clos,” each with its own unique character. The winemaking philosophy is centered on expressing this individuality as naturally as possible, with minimal intervention in the cellar.
Following a full acquisition of the vineyards, winery, and inventory, the domaine now enters a new chapter under the name Domaine Boris Champy. The former négociant activity previously known as “Didier Montchovet wines” has been rebranded as Petit Aigle—a tribute to the majestic snake eagle of the Hautes-Côtes. To provide clarity for consumers, estate wines are now labeled Domaine Boris Champy (biodynamic, certified Demeter), while Petit Aigle represents the micro-négociant range (organic, certified Ecocert).
“He takes modestly sited vineyards to such a high level that you begin
doubting the validity of Burgundy's hierarchy… his wines may take you to
heaven, especially when you consider what value-for-money they represent.” Neal Martin, Vinous (2024)
'22 Boris Champy Hautes Cotes de Beaune Blanc ‘Montagne 382’ $88
"This astonishing white Burgundy squares the circle of excellent ripeness and concentration with great freshness and vitality. Lovely aromas of bergamot and candied lime peel with a creaminess that’s deftly wrapped around the firm mineral core. Very long, focused and polished finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Unfiltered. Drink or hold." 95 Points. Stuart Pigott, JamesSuckling.com
“The 2022 Hautes Cotes de Beaune Montage 382 matured in 25% new 228-litre barrels. It has a complex bouquet with scents of chamomile and white tea interlacing the citrus fruit. Fine delineation. The palate is quite ripe on the entry, though not over-ripe, more generous with subtle tropical passion fruit and guava notes. There is another layer of spiciness underneath and a very controlled and persistent finish. Excellent. Drink 2025-2034.” 91 Points. Neal Martin, Vinous.
'22 Boris Champy Coteaux Bourguignons Rouge ‘Gamay Fin’ $72
“The 2022 Coteaux Bourguignons has a very pure bouquet with redcurrant and blackcurrant, quite cool and refined with a touch of Japanese nori. The medium bodied palate has a sapid entry, gentle grip, and a hint of sour cherry underlying the blackberry and raspberry fruit, with that estuarine influence returning on the finish. Lovely. Drink 2026-2033.” 89-91 Points. Neal Martin, Vinous.
'22 Boris Champy Hautes Cotes de Beaune Rouge ‘Altitude’ $89
"The lightweight champion of red Burgundy. Fragrant nose of tiny red berries, wild blackberries and summer flowers, but also meaty, peppery and tobacco leaf aromas. Very elegant and silky on the focused palate that’s right on the edge of light- to medium-bodied. Amazing concentration and length for this weight category. A cuvee of pinot noirs from the various high-altitude sites of this domaine. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Unfiltered. Drink or hold.” 94 Points. Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com.
“The 2022 Hautes-Cotes de Beaune Altitude to be bottled next March, offers redcurrant, cranberry and subtle sous-bois aromas on the nose, just a background scent of black tea. The palate is medium bodied with crunchy red fruit, slightly brittle with chalky tannins. This wine makes me wish I was drinking it in a bistro i.e. it will shine with accompanying food. Quite saline on the off dry, slightly austere finish, I would give it a few months in bottle. Drink 2025-2032.” 88-90 Points. Neal Martin, Vinous.
'22 Boris Champy Pommard ‘En Bouef’ $165
"Deep savory and rooty nose plus a touch of candied oranges and coconut. Substantial, plush tannins on the medium-bodied palate that is wonderfully velvety. The power and concentration are underplayed until you reach the positively firm finish. The name is not related to beef, rather it refers to the closeness of this site to the forest above the vineyards. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Matured in used barrels. Unfiltered. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.” 94 Points. Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com.
"The 2022 Pommard En Boeuf is matured in 50% new oak with 70% whole bunches. The beautiful nose is quite floral, with dried rose petals infusing the cranberry and wild strawberry fruit. Fine mineralité here. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit. There’s firm but not excessive grip - a mouth-filling Pommard with a delineated, vivid finish. Afford this 18 months in bottle to smooth those edges. Drink: 2026-2036." 90-92 Points. Neal Martin, Vinous.
