Domaine du Clos de Tart Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru La Forge de Tart 2021

Winery Background and History

Clos de Tart, established in 1141 by the Cistercian nuns of Notre-Dame de Tart, is one of Burgundy’s most historic and prestigious domaines. Located in Morey-Saint-Denis, it holds the distinction of being a monopole Grand Cru vineyard, meaning it is entirely owned by a single entity. In 2017, the domaine was acquired by Artémis Domaines, the wine division of Groupe Artémis, owned by François Pinault. Under this ownership, Clos de Tart has continued its legacy of producing exceptional Pinot Noir wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Côte de Nuits.

Producer and Winemaker

Since March 2019, Alessandro Noli has served as the estate manager and winemaker at Clos de Tart. With a background in viticulture and enology, Noli brings a modern approach to the historic domaine, focusing on precision and terroir expression. He has implemented changes such as introducing whole-bunch fermentation and reducing new oak usage to enhance the purity and complexity of the wines. Noli’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that each vintage reflects the character of the vineyard and the nuances of the growing season.

Vineyards and Microclimate

La Forge de Tart is a Premier Cru vineyard situated within the commune of Morey-Saint-Denis in the Côte de Nuits sub-region of Burgundy. The vineyard comprises younger vines planted in 2011 and parcels undergoing clonal conversion, as well as sections near Bonnes-Mares that were declassified for this cuvée. The soils are predominantly limestone with clay, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the wine’s minerality. The vineyard benefits from a temperate continental climate, with warm summers and cool nights that promote slow, even ripening of the Pinot Noir grapes.

Vinification & Aging Methods

In 2021, winemaker Alessandro Noli employed 25% whole-bunch fermentation to enhance aromatic complexity and structure. The wine underwent fermentation in stainless steel tanks, followed by aging in French oak barrels, with 45% new oak used—a reduction from previous vintages to allow the fruit to shine. This approach aims to balance the wine’s richness with freshness, resulting in a refined and expressive Pinot Noir that showcases the terroir of Morey-Saint-Denis.

Tasting Notes

The 2021 La Forge de Tart presents a vibrant ruby hue and an aromatic bouquet of sweet red berries, plums, spices, and peonies. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with a seamless, enveloping texture and a fleshy, ample profile. The wine exhibits fine-grained tannins, balanced acidity, and a lingering finish, reflecting both the meticulous selection process and the challenges of the vintage. 

Food & Wine Pairing

This elegant Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with dishes such as roasted duck, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto. Its vibrant acidity and refined tannins complement earthy flavors and rich textures, making it an excellent match for game birds, pork tenderloin, or aged cheeses like Comté and Époisses. The wine’s complexity and balance also allow it to stand alone as a contemplative sipper.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve the 2021 La Forge de Tart at 14°C to 16°C (57°F to 61°F) in large Burgundy glasses to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity. Decanting for 30 minutes to an hour is recommended to allow the wine to open up and reveal its nuanced flavors. This preparation enhances the tasting experience, highlighting the wine’s elegance and depth.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store bottles in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature and humidity. The 2021 vintage, while approachable in its youth, possesses the structure and balance to age gracefully over the next 10 to 15 years. With time, the wine will develop additional complexity, revealing tertiary notes of forest floor, truffle, and dried fruit, enhancing its already impressive profile.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.0%

Scores

• Wine Advocate: 91–93

• Tim Atkin Burgundy Report (Christy Canterbury MW): 94