Domaine Denis Mortet : Clos de Vougeot Grand cru 2019

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2019 Domaine Denis Mortet

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep ruby red hue, testifying to the optimal ripeness of the grapes and the respectable age of the vines.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity that evolves gradually upon contact with air. The first notes unveil intense aromas of Morello cherry and fresh cherry. With aeration, the bouquet is enriched with herbaceous nuances of mint and menthol, accompanied by earthy scents evoking truffle and forest floor. Spicy touches of licorice and anise complete this impressive aromatic palette.

Palate

On the palate, this Grand Cru seduces with its remarkable balance between power and elegance. The tannins, of exceptional finesse, structure the wine without ever dominating the fruity expression. The freshness of red fruits is enhanced by lively and precise acidity which brings clarity and dynamism to the whole. The texture reveals itself to be both dense and silky, with remarkable aromatic persistence. The earthy and mineral character of the wine authentically reflects the clay-marl soils of the lower part of Clos Vougeot.

Food and wine pairings

This Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2019 pairs beautifully with game dishes, particularly venison with Grand Veneur sauce. It also pairs perfectly with roast rib of beef, leg of lamb, poultry with cream and morels, or mature cheeses with character.

Service and storage

The Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2019 deserves prolonged decanting in its youth to allow its aromas to fully express themselves. The ideal serving temperature is between 17 and 18°C. This wine should not be consumed before 2029 and will be able to improve until around 2039, or even beyond.

A Burgundy Grand Cru combining density and elegance

The estate

Domaine Denis Mortet was founded in 1956 by Charles Mortet in Gevrey-Chambertin with a single hectare of vines. Today, the estate extends over approximately sixteen hectares spread across the most prestigious appellations of the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy. Since 2006, Arnaud Mortet has managed the property alongside his sister Clémence and their mother Laurence. The estate has forged a reputation for excellence thanks to environmentally respectful viticulture and vinification favoring infusion rather than extraction. The wines of Domaine Denis Mortet are distinguished by their elegance, finesse, and remarkable expression of terroir.

The vineyard

The Clos Vougeot plot cultivated by Domaine Denis Mortet is located in the lower part of the famous clos, at an altitude of 240 meters. This terroir benefits from rich soils composed of clay marl and fine silt which ensure excellent drainage while retaining sufficient water holding capacity. The vines, averaging sixty years of age, have developed a deep root system that draws from the different soil layers. This maturity of the vines contributes to the concentration and complexity of the grapes produced. Clos de Vougeot, established as early as the 12th century by Cistercian monks, represents one of the most historic and prestigious terroirs in Burgundy.

The vintage

The year 2019 began with a mild winter followed by a contrasting spring. The summer was characterized by high temperatures and generous sunshine, favoring optimal ripening of the grapes. The climatic conditions of this vintage made it possible to obtain berries with beautiful aromatic concentration and a remarkable balance between maturity and freshness.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Clos Vougeot Grand Cru 2019 are transported in small crates to preserve their integrity. After rigorous sorting, vinification is carried out using indigenous yeasts. The estate favors an infusion approach with a significant proportion of whole clusters and measured extraction. Aging takes place for fifteen to eighteen months in French oak barrels, 70% of which are new wood and 30% are one-wine barrels. This proportion allows for complexity without masking the expression of the terroir. The wine is bottled without filtration or fining.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir