Domaine Tortochot
Domaine Tortochot is a family estate based in Gevrey-Chambertin, with roots in the village extending back several generations. The domaine is today run by Chantal Tortochot, who took over from her father Gabriel in the late 1990s after a career outside winemaking. Since then, she has progressively refined both vineyard work and vinification while maintaining the traditional character of the estate. The domaine remains firmly centred on Pinot Noir and the terroirs of the northern Côte de Nuits.
The estate works around 12 hectares, with the majority of its vineyards in Gevrey-Chambertin. Its holdings range from Bourgogne Rouge and village Gevrey-Chambertin to several Premiers Crus, including Lavaux Saint-Jacques and Les Champeaux. At Grand Cru level, Tortochot owns parcels in Charmes-Chambertin, Mazis-Chambertin and Clos de Vougeot. The domaine also has holdings in Morey-Saint-Denis, giving it a broad collection of vineyards across this part of the Côte de Nuits.
Chantal Tortochot converted the domaine to organic viticulture, with the vineyards certified organic from the 2013 vintage. Herbicides and synthetic treatments are avoided, while considerable attention is given to the soils and health of the vines. Harvesting is carried out by hand and vinification remains relatively traditional. The grapes are generally destemmed, fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts and extraction is carefully controlled. Élevage takes place in oak, with the proportion of new barrels increasing for the more important appellations without becoming the defining feature of the wines.
The wines are classical expressions of Gevrey-Chambertin, combining red and dark fruit with earth, spice and the structure associated with the appellation. The village wines tend to offer relatively direct expressions of Pinot Noir, while the Premiers and Grands Crus gain greater depth, tannic structure and ageing potential. Rather than pursuing an overtly polished or concentrated style, Domaine Tortochot produces traditional, terroir-focused Bourgogne from an impressive collection of Côte de Nuits vineyards.
