Domaine Denis Mortet : Clos de Vougeot Grand cru 2018

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Clos Vougeot Grand Cru 2018 from Domaine Denis Mortet

Tasting

Appearance

The appearance reveals a deep red hue with garnet highlights, reflecting the intensity and concentration of the vintage.

Nose

The bouquet reveals intense aromas of fresh cherry and Morello cherry, accompanied by earthy notes characteristic of the appellation. The aromatic complexity is fully expressed through nuances that evolve with aeration.

Palate

On the palate, this wine unfurls a powerful and concentrated structure, supported by silky and refined tannins. Red fruit aromas persist throughout a remarkably long finish, where earthy and cherry notes blend harmoniously. The balance between density and elegance characterizes this Grand Cru, which gains intensity over time.

Food and wine pairings

This Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2018 pairs beautifully with noble red meats such as beef bourguignon or rib steak. It is also the perfect partner for game cooked in sauce, peppered venison, as well as characterful aged cheeses like Époisses or Cîteaux.

Service and storage

The Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2018 benefits from decanting for at least one hour before serving. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 15 and 16°C. This wine requires a minimum of ten years of cellaring to fully reveal its potential. Its aging potential extends well beyond twenty years for bottles kept in optimal conditions.

A Burgundy Grand Cru of exceptional concentration

The estate

Founded in 1956 by Charles Mortet with a single hectare of vines, Domaine Denis Mortet has gradually established itself as a key reference in Burgundy. Officially established in 1993 by Denis Mortet, the estate now spans approximately 16 hectares distributed over a hundred plots in the Côte de Nuits. Since 2006, the property has been managed by Laurence Mortet, her son Arnaud who handles general management and winemaking, and her daughter Clémence who manages commercial aspects. The estate is recognized for its wines combining elegance, freshness, and precise expression of terroirs, achieved through an environmentally respectful approach.

The vineyard

The Clos Vougeot represents one of the most prestigious and vast Grands Crus of Burgundy, with approximately 50 hectares enclosed within historic walls dating back five centuries. Created around 1110 by the monks of the Abbey of Cîteaux, this vineyard, classified as a Grand Cru since 1937, is distinguished by a remarkable diversity of soils. Located at an average altitude of 255 meters, it features shallow gravelly soils in its upper part, clay-limestone soils in the middle, and deeper soils composed of marl and rich clay in its lower part. This mosaic of terroirs confers exceptional complexity to Clos de Vougeot wines, with characteristic aromas of red and black fruits, flowers, spices, and truffle.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage in Burgundy is characterized by extreme climatic conditions that nevertheless produced wines of remarkable quality. After a wet winter and a rainy spring, particularly in May, the region experienced a period of intense heat and drought from mid-June to August, with temperatures reaching 40°C. Beneficial rains in August allowed the berries to swell and reach optimal ripeness. The harvest began as early as the end of August, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. For Domaine Denis Mortet, this vintage proved exceptional, offering perfectly healthy grapes with remarkable concentration and a beautiful tannic structure promising excellent aging potential.

Winemaking and aging

The Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2018 from Domaine Denis Mortet is produced according to a philosophy favoring infusion rather than extraction. The grapes, harvested in small crates, are meticulously sorted and then carefully destemmed to preserve the integrity of the berries. Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts for 18 to 20 days, with only 5 to 6 punch-downs to respect the fruit. Aging takes place over 16 to 18 months in barrels, with a moderate use of new oak to preserve the expression of the terroir, contributing to the elegance and finesse of the wine.

Grape

100% Pinot Noir