1998 Domaine Confuron-Cotetidot Mazis-Chambertin

Domaine Confuron-Cotetidot is owned and operated by the Confuron family, which has been making wine in Vosne-Romanée since the 17th century. The family is so famous and established in the region that there is a Pinot Noir grape clone named after them, Pinot Confuron. The estate’s 30 acres of vineyards include legendary Grand Cru, Premier Cru and villages parcels, none of which has ever been treated with pesticides or herbicides. Long before biodynamic farming became a movement, the Confurons were farming organically. Brothers Yves and Jean-Pierre run the estate today, with help from their parents. The domaine is known for whole cluster fermentation and a deep, dark, classically concentrated style that is considered by Burgundy aficionados to be distinctly old school, and highly impressive.

Mazis-Chambertin is a 22.4 acre Grand Cru vineyard near the village of Gevrey-Chambertin. The name Mazis is sometimes spelled with a “y” or without the final “s.” The soil is shallow and somewhat rocky, and the wine made from this vineyard is considered excellent. The legendary Lalou Bize of Maison Leroy is one of the smaller landholders with about .6 of an acre. There are some 30 proprietors with parcels in Mazis-Chambertin. The largest are Hospices de Beaune, with 4.38 acres; Bernard Dugat-Py, with 3.05 acres; and Joseph Faiveley, with 3 acres.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.