Clos de Tart Grand Cru Monopole 2021: A Côte de Nuits Monopole at the Height of Its Expression
Clos de Tart is one of the few Grand Cru monopoles in the Côte de Nuits, entirely enclosed within its centuries-old walls in the town of Morey-Saint-Denis. The 2021 vintage has produced a red wine of remarkable aromatic freshness, the result of a challenging year that rewarded the best-managed vineyards. Certified organic and biodynamic, the wine estate delivers a wine that faithfully reflects its terroir, combining the fine-grained texture and aromatic depth characteristic of this exceptional climat.
Tasting the Clos de Tart Grand Cru 2021: Palate, Food Pairings, and peak drinking window
The Tasting
The color is a deep ruby hue, enlivened by purplish highlights that reveal the youth of the 2021 vintage. The bouquet opens with crisp red fruits—black cherry and fresh raspberry—accompanied by floral notes of rose and violet, with a subtle hint of sweet spices in the background. As it breathes, nuances of peony and a hint of forest floor enrich the aromatic profile. On the palate, the attack is crisp and luscious, carried by silky-smooth tannins that are remarkably polished for such a young Grand Cru. The mid-palate reveals an airy texture, supported by a lovely tension that keeps the fruit at the forefront. The long, fresh finish lingers on aromas of candied cherry and sweet spices, with a persistence that attests to the quality of the terroir.
- Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir
- Appellation: Clos de Tart Grand Cru, Morey-Saint-Denis
- Alcohol content: 13.5% vol.
- Certification: Organic and biodynamic farming
- Winemaking: 53% whole clusters, native yeasts, custom-made wooden vats
- Ageing: 18 months in French oak barrels, 64% of which are new
- Ageing potential: 15 years or more
Food and Wine Pairings
The airy structure and silky tannins of the 2021 Clos de Tart call for meats that are both delicate and flavorful. A high-quality roasted chicken, simply served with a reduced gravy, highlights the fruit’s finesse without overpowering it. For a more elaborate pairing, a roast pigeon seasoned with mild spices or a beautifully prepared game bird naturally complements the floral and spicy complexity of this Grand Cru. A well-aged Époisses is also a classic and highly successful pairing.
Aging Potential
With a projected aging potential of fifteen years or more from the vintage, the 2021 Clos de Tart has a promising evolution ahead of it. The aromatic freshness preserved by the cool nights of 2021, combined with the finesse of the tannins and eighteen months of barrel ageing, provides a solid foundation for this potential. Tasted today, this red is already approachable and generous; however, it will gain complexity in five to eight years, gradually developing tertiary aromas of forest floor, truffle, and ripe spices. To serve it while it’s still young, decanting for one hour is sufficient to open up the bouquet and soften the structure.
Vineyard, Terroir, and Cellar: The Making of Clos de Tart 2021
The Vintage in the Vineyard
The 2021 vintage in Burgundy was marked by severe spring frosts in April, which reduced yields in many plots of the Côte de Nuits. The summer, which was cool and intermittently wet, required increased vigilance regarding disease control in the vineyards. The cool nights of summer and fall, however, played a decisive role in preserving the Pinot Noir’s natural acidity. The harvest, carried out at optimal ripeness amid these low yields, allowed for the selection of healthy, concentrated grapes, providing Clos de Tart with raw material of remarkable aromatic clarity despite the year’s unpredictable weather.
Work in the Cellar
The winemaking process for the 2021 Clos de Tart incorporates 53% whole clusters, a significant proportion that contributes to the wine’s freshness and finesse. Fermentation is carried out using only indigenous yeasts in custom-made wooden vats, promoting gentle extraction that respects the fruit. Eighteen months of ageing in French oak barrels, with 64% new oak, imparts the structure and complexity expected of a Grand Cru while preserving the purity of the Pinot Noir. The grapes are harvested by hand and undergo rigorous sorting before being placed in vats.
