Boris Champy, Domaine
Summary
Domaine Boris Champy is a recently established 8-10 hectare estate in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from high-elevation (300-400m), east-facing vineyards with limestone-rich soils that contribute distinctive freshness to the wines. The domaine maintains certified biodynamic practices established by previous owner Didier Montchovet, with Champy applying his extensive experience from prestigious Burgundian estates to demonstrate the untapped potential of this historically overlooked region.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Boris Champy represents a relatively new chapter in Burgundy's winemaking landscape, established around 2019-2020 when Boris Champy acquired vineyards in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune. The estate was formerly part of Domaine Didier Montchovet, which Champy took over upon Montchovet's retirement.
Boris Champy brings substantial experience to his eponymous domaine, having held significant positions at prestigious Burgundian estates. From 2016 to 2019, he served as estate manager at Domaine des Lambrays, and his career also includes roles at Domaine Louis Latour and Clos des Lambrays. His professional background includes training under Dominique Lafon, one of Burgundy's respected winemakers. This extensive experience in managing top-tier Burgundian estates provided Champy with the expertise to establish his own domaine focused on the terroir of the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune.
The domaine operates as an independent producer under Champy's direct ownership and management, continuing the biodynamic practices established under the previous ownership while bringing his own perspective to the wines of this elevated region.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Boris Champy's vineyards are situated in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, a subregion characterized by its higher elevation compared to the main Côte de Beaune slopes. The estate comprises approximately 8-10 hectares of vineyards positioned on east-facing slopes with limestone-rich soils typical of the region. The vineyard elevations range between 300-400 meters above sea level, creating distinctly cooler growing conditions than those found on the lower slopes of the Côte d'Or.
The domaine's portfolio focuses on the traditional varieties of Burgundy: Pinot Noir for red wines and Chardonnay for whites. The primary appellations produced include Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Rouge and Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Blanc, reflecting the geographical location of the vineyards.
The higher altitude of the vineyards contributes to the character of the wines, with the cooler temperatures helping to maintain acidity and freshness in the finished products. All harvesting is conducted by hand, allowing for careful selection of fruit and preserving the integrity of the grapes before vinification.
Philosophy & Practice
Domaine Boris Champy maintains a strong commitment to biodynamic viticulture, continuing the certified biodynamic practices that were established when the vineyards were under Didier Montchovet's management. This approach to farming treats the vineyard as an integrated ecosystem, working with natural cycles and avoiding synthetic chemicals.
The vineyards hold biodynamic certification, reflecting the domaine's dedication to this holistic agricultural philosophy. The biodynamic approach extends beyond mere organic farming to incorporate specific preparations and attention to astronomical and lunar cycles in farming operations.
Champy's winemaking philosophy builds upon his extensive experience at prestigious Burgundian estates. The hand-harvested grapes receive careful handling throughout the production process, maintaining the integrity of the fruit and the expression of the Hautes-Côtes terroir. This approach aligns with Champy's position among a generation of producers working to elevate the reputation of the Hautes-Côtes appellations through meticulous vineyard work and thoughtful winemaking.