2020 Charles Van Canneyt Gevrey Chambertin
Region: Burgundy, France
Grape: Pinot Noir
Culinary Suggestions: Game Meats, Steak, Roast Pork
Practices: Organic
About
Having been at the helm of the iconic Domaine Hudelot-Noellat in Chambolle-Musigny since 2008, Charles Van Canneyt is well known among Burgundy connoisseurs. Charles is Alain Hudelot’s grandson and is a very talented and skilled winemaker. With the confidence and ingrained skills, his own negoce label flourishes.
Vineyards in Burgundy are more expensive than ever. In the past, common practice was for young winemakers to acquire vineyards to start their own venture. Today, they buy grapes from growers they trust, avoiding the debt they would otherwise accrue. This is how many of the most motivated and passionate producers start. Indeed, it was this path that Lalou Bize-Leroy followed before acquiring her first plots from the Charles Noellat holding.
Charles has not started from scratch, far from it. Through his extensive network of Burgundy’s finest growers, Charles sources the very best grapes. His intimate knowledge of the region enables him to select vineyards in the best locations. In a sense it is ideal to produce wines of the highest quality. It is through his experience at Domaine Hudelot-Noellat and the profile he has acquired within the community that Charles has opened the right doors to source these grapes.
Once Charles has established such a relationship, he submits his specifications and follows the growth of the grapes through to harvest while the grower helps realise his vision in the vineyard. The grower then presses the white grapes or operates the maceration and vatting period of the red grapes. Charles then collects the must, or the wine, to mature it in his own cellar. This most vital part of the process is handled personally by Charles to ensure the pure and terroir-transparent style associated with Hudelot-Noellat.
The wines are matured in French oak barrels with about 15% new oak used for the premier crus, bringing a soft oak input and championing the terroir. Only two barrels are made of each premier crus per year with more Bourgogne Pinot Noir and Chardonnay produced. As for the grand crus, it’s also one to two barrels of production. Even though the range can vary slightly each vintage. - Importer Note
Tasting Notes
The Gevrey-Chambertin has a delicate nose that gives way to an array of red fruits flavours, red cherry, rose petals, plum and spices. On the palate, a great sense of finesse delivers a lovely density, silky tannin structure and a lingering finish. It can be decanted for 25 minutes before serving or cellared up until 2028+. - Importer Note