2011 Domaine Bart Bonnes Mares

Domaine Bart is in Marsannay. Martin Bart manages this family-owned estate of 38 acres in Marsannay and Fixin along with his nephew Pierre Bart and Pierre’s mother, who is Martin’s sister. Martin is related to Bruno Clair, so his vigneron talents come partly from the family genes. Martin’s parents bought the estate he now runs in 1968, and the family has been producing red, white and rosé wines ever since. Domaine Bart makes Grand Cru, Premier Cru and villages wines. Burghound.com has often rated the reds in the low to mid-90s.

Bonnes Mares is a Grand Cru vineyard that is located in two appellations Chambolle-Musigny and the neighboring Morey St.-Denis. Of the total of 37.6 acres, 33.75 are in Chambolle, and just under 4 acres are in Morey St. Denis. The history of the vineyard is complicated and today there are some 35 landholders. The vineyard lies between 265 and 300 meters. The soil is heavier toward Morey St.-Denis, which is the northern end of the vineyard, and lighter as the vineyard enters the Chambolle-Musigny commune. Principal landholders are De Vogue, 6.7 acres; Drouhin-Laroze, 3.7 acres; and Georges Roumier, 3.5 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.