One of the rising stars in the Burgundy fine wine world, Charles van Canneyt - Alain Hudelot Noëllat’s grandson - has been something of a leader when it comes to the micro-negociant game. For those who are not in the know, micro negotiating consists of buying grapes from neighbouring vineyards and blending them in your own wineries (and with van Canneyt we are talking about the established and superlative winery of Hudelot Noëllat), then selling them under your own label. Thus, when you are looking at a Charles van Cannyet wine, you are also looking at the process and know-how of a Hudelot Noëllat.

When his grandfather stepped down after 30 years at the helm in 2008, and van Canneyt, straight out of university was named his successor, critics were sceptical. What could young Charles bring to the estate that is famous for the holy trinity of Burgundy fine wines, Hudelot Noëllat’s Grand Richebourg, Romanée Saint-Vivant and Clos Vougeot? “My grandfather always wanted to let the terroir speak, and I follow that guiding line. I haven’t made any drastic changes since I started here, just a few small adjustments; I don’t want to be too interventionist, I let the terroir speak, revealing the characteristics of each climate and trying to make judicious use of wood.” This comes as a welcome relief for many who consider the Richebourg Grand Cru one of the greatest Burgundy’s available on the fine wine market. Investors would be wise to consider that this trio of fine wines has gained almost legendary status, and when looking for a centrepiece either on their table or in their cellar should look no further. The same vintage of all three would be a coup de theatre and very, very covetable.

It seems however that you can improve on the best. Since van Canneyt has been in control, the wines he has produced have proved spellbinding, both for the amateur and the investor. Neal Martin commented that under van Canneyt, “[this] domaine is really ratcheting up the quality … there are rich pickings across the range, the village crus some of the finest that I encountered across all my tastings.” Martin is also loquacious on van Canneyt’s own label, suggesting that van Canneyt’s talent lies both in his fine wine heritage and his exceptional savoir-faire.