Vineyards and winemaking
Champans is one of Volnay's most substantial Premier Crus, positioned mid-slope with a south-easterly exposure and well-drained limestone-rich soils. Mature, biodynamically farmed vines give Pinot Noir both the perfume of Volnay and a deeper, more muscular structure than many neighbouring sites.
The concentrated 2015 fruit was harvested and sorted by hand, then fermented with indigenous yeasts. Approximately 18 months in French oak, with new wood limited to around 20%, supported the wine's depth while allowing its red fruit and limestone character to remain clear.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Deep ruby-garnet, still bright at the core.
Nose
Cassis, raspberry preserve and red cherry are joined by violet, candied orange peel, graphite and a hint of clove.
Palate
Full and layered for Volnay, with crunchy red and black fruit set against firm, fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity brings energy to the 2015 richness, and savoury earth and limestone extend the authoritative finish.
Food pairing
Serve with roast duck crown, lamb loin and herb crust, pheasant with chestnuts, or a beetroot and mushroom en croûte. The six-bottle collection allows the wine's evolution to be followed across several meals over the coming years.
Background story
Domaine Marquis d'Angerville is one of Volnay's defining estates, with a history in the village stretching back to the early nineteenth century. Its detailed Premier Cru holdings are farmed biodynamically, and the cellar favours a restrained approach designed to preserve each vineyard's identity.
This original collection contains six 75cl bottles of the same 2015 Champans. The vintage's concentration and the climat's natural structure support further ageing, though the wine can now be approached with a one-hour decant. Keep the collection in stable, cool and dark storage if opening the bottles progressively.
