2014 Denis Mortet Mazis-Chambertin

Domaine Denis Mortet owns or leases 34 acres in Gevrey-Chambertin, in Burgundy’s Cote de Nuits. Until 1991 the estate was known as Charles Mortet et Fils. But when Denis and his brother Thierry divided the domaine in 1991, Denis used his own name on his wines and acquired additional vineyards. Today the estate includes Grand Cru parcels in Clos de Vougeot and Chambertin. There are also Premier Crus in Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musigny. Denis Mortet took his own life in 2006 and the estate is now owned and operated by his wife Laurence and son Arnaud. Under Denis the estate had a reputation for excellence, and writer Clive Coates has noted that Arnaud is following in his father footsteps. In 2008 Coates wrote that “fine 2005s were found” at the estate.

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.