Domaine Denis Mortet

 Denis Mortet was one of the most brilliant producers in Burgundy at the time of his death on January 30, 2006.  

Domaine Mortet began with 1ha of vines, owned by Denis Mortet’s father, Charles. Charles had no interest in the wine business, so he left the vines to be farmed by others until 1977 when Denis came to work with him at the age of 21. When Denis’ brother joined the team later, in 1982, a company was formed. From the time Denis joined his father until 1982, Denis had worked to increase the family holdings through rental agreements and small purchases. So, by 1982, the family company now had grown to include a total of 8ha, just about 18 acres and by 1984, they were bottling on their own.
Denis Mortet had set about to secure contracts on vineyards which were quite old. Of that he was very proud. Denis was an incredible perfectionist – something that would finally, many say, be his undoing. He also went about learning the ways of wine-making from Henri Jayer, of whom Clive wrote, “The history of present-day Burgundy could not be written without him.” Indeed, Mortet knew exactly where he was going.

Mortet was a perfectionist in the vineyard who made sure that every step was taken to assure that his wines were made from the finest, ripest fruit possible.  His goal was to make wines that were “a pleasure to drink young or old.”

This was a fanatical man for whom “young vines” were 25-years-old and who cultivated his village wines as if they were a Grand Cru.  Thus, all of his red wines saw 100% new Francois Freres oak.
His immaculate vineyards were the key to his energy and passion.  The talent he expressed in interpreting his exceptional terroirs can be found in every Denis Mortet wine, especially more recent vintages.