Boris Champy Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Bignon 421 2023

Boris Champy works in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune in Burgundy, the higher ground behind the famous Côte de Beaune slope, an area whose altitude has made it one of the region's rising names as the climate warms. Bignon 421 is a single-parcel Pinot Noir farmed biodynamically on the limestone and clay soils typical of the hills. The altitude brings cooler temperatures and a longer growing season, which preserve acidity and aromatic detail and give an elegant, fresher style of Pinot Noir, while the limestone subsoil adds a mineral edge. The wine is made naturally, with vegan handling, and aged twelve months in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange through the wood softens the tannins and adds light spice without masking the fruit. The colour is medium ruby. The nose shows red cherry, wild raspberry and plum over rose, dried herbs and a savoury, earthy base. The palate is medium bodied, with fine silky tannins, bright acidity and a long savoury finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees. It is a classic match for poultry, duck and mushroom dishes.