Champion Wine Cellars

10/25/2024

It’s International Champagne Day!

Whether you’re enjoying it out of a coupe, flute or even the bottle, let’s raise a toast to the most enchanting beverage ever made!

10/21/2024

✨ Foradori Wines: Natural Passion ✨

Located in the breathtaking Dolomites of Northern Italy, Foradori’s wines celebrate nature and heritage. 🍇 Elisabetta Foradori, one of the world’s most influential female winemakers, is most famous for bringing Teroldego into the world spotlight using Massal Selection vines (using old vineyards to propagate new ones) and practicing biodynamic viticulture (farming exclusively this way since 2002, with little intervention). These days, Elisabetta’s children, Emilio, Theo, and Myrtha, are taking the reins and continuing her tradition of redefining sustainability and excellent winemaking.

The 2022 vintage is an exceptional expression of the year’s unique climate, offering beautifully balanced wines that highlight the purity of the Teroldego grape. With fresh red fruit aromas, bright acidity, and a refined mineral backbone, this vintage is lovely for anyone discovering these wines for the first time or if it’s been a bit since you’ve had them. Pristine, terroir-expressive, and friendly out the gate without needing to lay down for years? Here. For. It. 🌿

🌍 Delicious, sustainable, artful, thought-provoking.

10/19/2024

This isn’t your average rosé! 🍇 Made from the rare Tibouren grape (90% Tibouren, 10% Grenache), this exceptional vintage from Clos Cibonne embodies elegance and age-worthiness with the best of them. Seville orange, ginger, red fruit & quince, grilled walnut, apricot, and salinity. Nervy and delicious, this rosé is a special treat. 🥰



Aged under flor for added complexity, the 2015 vintage is hitting its peak now—beautifully layered and perfect for fall sipping 🍂. Pair with grilled seafood, Provençal dishes, or simply enjoy on its own.🥂

Have you tried this hidden gem yet? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 👇

10/17/2024

This week, we’ll explore single-varietal wines found in the Rhône Valley and then compare them to the actual Rhône Valley blends. Roussanne from Vaucluse meets Marsanne from Australia. Then, Grenache, its Spanish moniker, Garnacha, from Rioja, meets Mourvedre, aka Monastrell, from Jumilla’s sandy soils. Lastly, we’ll compare a beautifully fresh Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc with the highly allocated 2022 Le Clos du Caillou La Reserve Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge.

We’ll start this party at 5:30.

10/12/2024

10/02/2024

✨ Iconic & ethereal, Comm. G.B. Burlotto embodies timeless excellence.

🍷 In Barolo’s Verduno commune, the historic Comm. G.B. Burlotto Winery, founded in 1850 by Giovan Battista Burlotto, has long been a cornerstone of Barolo wine production. Focused initially on varied agriculture, Burlotto shifted towards specialized viticulture, notably at Monvigliero in Verduno and Cannubi in Barolo. His wines gained international acclaim, even becoming the official supplier to the Royal House of Savoy.

🍷 Today, the winery is led by fourth- and fifth-generation family members Marina Burlotto, Giuseppe Alessandria, and their children, Fabio and Cristina. They maintain the family’s dedication to traditional methods while incorporating modern insights. The estate spans 16 hectares across 14 crus in four municipalities, producing Barolo along with other varieties such as Pelaverga piccolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo. Each vineyard contributes to wines that reflect the distinct characteristics of their terroir, continuing the Burlotto legacy of quality and innovation in winemaking.

10/02/2024

✨ Iconic & ethereal, Comm. G.B. Burlotto embodies timeless excellence.

🍷 In Barolo’s Verduno commune, the historic Comm. G.B. Burlotto Winery, founded in 1850 by Giovan Battista Burlotto, has long been a cornerstone of Barolo wine production. Focused initially on varied agriculture, Burlotto shifted towards specialized viticulture, notably at Monvigliero in Verduno and Cannubi in Barolo. His wines gained international acclaim, even becoming the official supplier to the Royal House of Savoy.

🍷 Today, the winery is led by fourth- and fifth-generation family members Marina Burlotto, Giuseppe Alessandria, and their children, Fabio and Cristina. They maintain the family’s dedication to traditional methods while incorporating modern insights. The estate spans 16 hectares across 14 crus in four municipalities, producing Barolo along with other varieties such as Pelaverga piccolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo. Each vineyard contributes to wines that reflect the distinct characteristics of their terroir, continuing the Burlotto legacy of quality and innovation in winemaking.

09/30/2024

✨ Wines of Domaine Hubert Lamy ✨

If you’re a fan of fine Burgundy, the wines of Domaine Hubert Lamy are likely no stranger to you. 🌿 Nestled in Saint-Aubin, this beloved, vigneron-favorite estate has a reputation for wines of precision, purity, and a deep respect for terroir.

Saint-Aubin, an appellation historically overlooked has gained recognition due to producers like Lamy. The Domaine’s wines, particularly their premier crus, are known & sought out with cult-like fervor (ourselves included) for their exceptional quality and value, often rivaling those from more famous neighboring appellations. The white wines are vibrant and packed with concentration and energy, while the reds have an ethereal quality, showing more finesse than power.

With viticultural roots dating to 1640, the family has been intertwined in Burgundian winemaking for centuries. Domaine Hubert Lamy was established in 1973, with vineyards centered in Saint-Aubin with holdings in Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Santenay. The Domaine is now run by husband and wife Olivier and Karine, who took over the Domaine in the mid-1990’s.

Olivier began experimenting with vine density in the early 2000s, believing that closer spacing of vines encourages deeper root growth and results in better terroir expression. He has pioneered high-density plantings (some vineyards have up to 30,000 vines per hectare compared to the usual 10,000). This meticulous approach leads to low yields but incredibly concentrated and complex wines.

While approachable in their youth, Domaine Hubert Lamy’s wines have the structure and balance to age gracefully. The chardonnays develop more complexity with time, evolving from bright citrus and minerality to deeper, richly nuanced, haunting layers of flavor.

09/24/2024

🎁 Elevate Your Gifting! 🎁

Looking for a sophisticated way to say thank you, celebrate milestones, reward team members or impress clients? Our hand-selected wine collections are the perfect choice for gifts that stand out. 🍷✨

Whether it’s a single bottle or a curated set, Champion Wine Cellars will help you find the ideal wines to match the occasion. Need that wine delivered? Ask about our delivery and shipping options. We offer free in-town delivery for orders over $90.

When putting together your gift list, show your appreciation while supporting a local business and give the gift of wine – the most liquid of assets.

Gift cards in any denomination are also available!

💌 DM us or email [email protected] to explore our exclusive corporate gifting options.

09/23/2024

Finding Similarities, Embracing Differences
An Open wine tasting
Thursday September 26, 5:30-7:30

Join us on Thursday for another compare-and-contrast wine night, where we will be contrasting wines to find their similarities and highlight what makes them unique.

We’ll start off with a pair of Spanish whites - a crisp and refreshing 2023 Ameztoi Txakolina, comparing to a stone fruit driven Vina Zorzal Garnacha Blanca.

Then we’ll dive into red wines from France’s Loire Valley in two very different vintages and styles – a punchy, bistro-style cab franc - 2021 Catherine et Pierre Breton ‘Trinch!’ Bourgueil contrasted to 2018 Lame Delisle Boucard Bourgueil Vieilles Vignes – a concentrated, age-worthy cab franc with deep earthy notes.

Finally we’ll taste two Italian reds and contrast their textures – a lighter style Valpolicella from Corte Scaletta and medium to fuller-bodied Nebbiolo from Mauro Veglio.

No reservations needed! Just drop on by, grab a glass and come hang out!

09/21/2024

Currently in Instagram jail. Anybody know what we did?

09/20/2024

**🌍🍇 Happy International Grenache Day! 🍷🌿**

Today, we celebrate one of the world’s most versatile and widely grown grape varieties—**Grenache**! Whether you enjoy it as a bold red, a crisp rosé, or a sweet fortified wine, Grenache has something for every wine lover.

✨ **Fun Fact**: Grenache thrives in warm climates like France’s Rhône Valley, Spain’s Priorat, and California, producing wines with rich fruit flavors, spice, and silky textures.

🍷 **Pairing Tip**: Grenache loves food! Try pairing it with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a hearty cheese platter for a perfect match.

09/19/2024

For the Love of Burgundy: Featuring Domaine Philippe et Arnaud Dubreuil 2020 Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru’s + 2020 Corton Grand Cru Les Grandes Lolières Blanc

Join us Wednesday, September 25th, 2024, 6:30-8:00 for a night of fine wine, vintage understanding, and an in-depth look at the differences between the Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru sites of Talmettes, Lavieres, and Charnieres.

If you are a Burghound or curious about the profound subtleties of Burgundian wine, then this is the tasting for you!

We’re starting the night with some introductory goodies at 6:30 p.m., though the official tasting will occur between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. After 8 p.m., we’ll open the floor for questions and wine comparisons.

The event is $50 and is limited to 10 spots, and they fill up quick. Please RSVP before they’re all gone.

Please head DM us for a link to RSVP or head to www.championwinecellars.com and go to the Events menu and find the link on the calendar page.

09/14/2024

DON’T BOTHER GRANDPA THIS WEEKEND!
He’s got books to read, wines to drink, ci**rs to smoke!

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it feels like the perfect time to uncork a bottle of wine and curl up with a good book. There’s something about this change in the weather that makes us want to slow down, savor the flavors, and get lost in a good story.
To compliment the mood and the transitional weather, we turn to bolder, spicier reds. Wine that is profound but doesn’t weigh one down. There’s nothing better than Côtes-du-Rhône wine to bring a little warmth to the soul on days like these.

Here we’re pairing Co***ne & Rhinestones: A History of George Jones and Tammy Wynette with 2022 Le Clos du Caillou “Les Quartz CDR”. Like Erin often says, this wine is, “… fruit spice and everything nice!” Presenting a deep ruby red in the glass, the nose gives way to explosive fresh mint, garrigue, ripe fig, with undertones of mineral and flint. On the palate, the wine goes down ultra smooth, tasting like fresh crushed blackberry, wild plum and raspberries but always with an undertone of subtle spice, finishing long and elegant.


What books are you reading now the weather’s turned? Need a wine to pair with that book? We’re here to help.

Stay tuned for our upcoming curated wine and music packages this fall. First up - GOTH BOX!

&rhinestones

09/08/2024

Honored to be guests at a special Moroccan-inspired dinner at Joe and Mary Anne’s. Emile and Stephanie, Champion’s original owners, joined us for an evening of tangine and ultra-rare wine.

Joe cooked a richly-spiced duck and pear tangine that he paired amazingly with vintage Bordeaux he pulled out of his cellar - a 1964 Chateau Leoville Las Cases and a 1988 Chateau Mouton Rothschild.

On the 64’ Leoville, it was a special treat to share in this 60 year-old Saint Julien. Still vibrant after all these years, the wine showed a deep ruby red hue, with aromas of cedar, pencil shavings, leather and wafting sweet to***co. On the palate, the wine was elegant with a refined structure, tasting of ripe black currants, plums and cherries lifted with a hint of camphor. A truly stunning wine and a testament to the meticulous storage.

The power and finesse of the 1988 Chateau Mouton Rothschild really shown through in this vintage. Present on the palate was a lively dark fruit core, consisting of cassis and dark cherry that revealed raspberry, spice and licorice with a tinge of umami – wrapped in a seductive long lasting finish.

To close the night, Joe and Mary Anne surprised us with a 1970 Taylor’s Vintage Port—a true dessert in itself! Lush, velvety, and rich with fig, dark chocolate, and a touch of walnut, it was the perfect finish to dinner.

09/01/2024