Denis and his brother, Thierry, inherited Domaine Charles Mortet from their father, Charles, following his retirement. Denis built his formidable reputation by crafting wines punching far above their weight, from relatively modest vineyard holdings. Throughout the 1990s he produced a range of rich and concentrated vintages.
After Denis tragically took his own life in 2006, his 26-year-old son Arnaud took over the Domaine building on his father’s vision and best practices. Arnaud is ably supported by his sister, Clémence, who helps run the administration side of the domaine. Like many Domaines in Burgundy it all starts in the vineyards. Every step is taken to ensure that they produce the finest, ripest fruit possible in order to create the style of wine designed by Denis; a wine that can be drunk young or old, a wine with finesse and style yet also possessing weight and opulence.
The heavily extracted and oaked wines from the 1990s have been replaced by concentrated wines resulting from better vineyard management and naturally low yields.
The Domaine’s 10 hectares include 14 different appellations, including two grands crus in Clos de Vougeot and Chambertin. Mortet’s wines are amongst Gevrey-Chambertin’s finest. Based on the quality of the latest vintages it is evident that Arnaud has firmly taken over the quality reins from his father and is pushing this address to new exciting heights.
