Champy Père et Cie, Beaune, Burgundy

Burgundy's oldest négociant which was established in 1720. Some of its cellars in Beaune date back to the 15th Century. Champy gained a new dynamism in 1990 when it was acquired by Pierre and Henri Meurgey and Pierre Beuchet. All three men are associate directors of DIVA (a distribution company closely connected with the greatest vineyards and estates in Burgundy) and can rely on the wealth of experience of Henri Meurgey, who has been oenologist winemaker and wine-broker for 35 years. The house is rapidly becoming a vineyard owner in its own right. As well as now owning their own vines, they are increasing the control they have over areas which they rent and for the vineyards in which they don't own the vines, they importantly have control over the viticulture. The key is they control the quality of the fruit coming in from the harvest and their wine-making team has many years of experience. We find the wines show excellent consistency.

Wine to Watch: Mâcon Uchizy 2007 £9.25 per bottle