2008 Domaine Tortochot Mazis-Chambertin

Domaine Tortochot is a 28-acre domain in Gevrey-Chambertin. The domain is owned by the Tortochot family, which has been growing grapes in the region for more than 100 years. Today Chantal Tortochot runs the estate. Domaine Tortochot owns parcels in the Grand Cru vineyards of Chambertin, Charmes-Chambertin, Mazis-Chambertin, and Clos de Vougeot. There are also Premier Cru and villages parcels.

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.