DOMAINE TORTOCHOT, France
The domaine manages 12 hectares of vineyards divided into 34 distinct parcels, including prestigious Grand Cru sites such as Chambertin (the vineyard’s northernmost section), Mazis-Chambertin, and Charmes-Chambertin. It also owns highly regarded Premier Cru plots, including vines in Lavaux Saint-Jacques adjacent to the famed Clos Saint-Jacques. Known for producing traditional-style Gevrey wines, Chantal’s wines are celebrated for their chiselled fruit, structured tannins, and bright acidity, reflecting true Burgundian character. The Premier Crus showcase terroir-driven styles: Lavaux Saint-Jacques offers deep garnet color with fine cherry and earthy aromas; Champeaux is more floral and fruity, with notes of cherry and rose, displaying elegant length; Charmes combines spicy, smokey aromas with rich red fruit on the palate. Among the Grand Crus, Mazis-Chambertin stands out with rich fruit, liquorice notes, and strong yet elegant tannins, promising excellent aging potential. The domaine also holds a small parcel in Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, producing wines with dark berry aromas and earthy underbrush nuances.
Viticulture
Chantal Tortochot began transitioning the estate towards organic viticulture in 2003, completing full conversion to organic farming by 2008. The domaine emphasizes natural soil health and sustainable practices, particularly in the experimental “Les Corvées” vineyard, where Chantal explores net cultivation techniques and avoids chemical treatments to maintain the soil’s natural balance.
Winemaking
The winemaking style at Domaine Tortochot is classic and meticulous. Grapes are 100% destemmed before fermentation, with temperature closely monitored to ensure balance. After fermentation, the wines are aged in medium-toast oak barrels, with new oak percentages tailored to the classification: 100% new oak for Grand Crus, 50% for Premier Crus, and 25% for village-level wines. Malolactic fermentation takes place during the 15 to 18 months of barrel aging, contributing to the wines’ structure and finesse.
