Clos de Tart Grand Cru (Morey-Saint-Denis monopole)
A 6.06-hectare monopole vineyard producing some of Burgundy's most elegant and structurally complex Pinot Noirs, defined by silky tannins and remarkable aging potential.
Clos de Tart is a walled Grand Cru vineyard in Morey-Saint-Denis exclusively owned by Maison Artemis (formerly Mommessin), producing exclusively from Pinot Noir with exceptional terroir expression. This monopole benefits from southeast-facing slopes on the Côte de Nuits, yielding wines of remarkable finesse with 30+ years of aging capacity. The vineyard's burgundy limestone-rich soil and strict quality protocols establish it among Burgundy's most prestigious singular terroirs.
- Total surface area: 6.06 hectares of exclusively walled vineyard with single ownership—a rare monopole in Burgundy
- Elevation: 250-280 meters on southeast-facing slopes of the Côte de Nuits with optimal sun exposure
- Soil composition: Burgundy limestone (calcaire oolitique) with clay subsoil, providing mineral tension and complexity
- Current proprietor: Maison Artemis (acquired the vineyard in 2018; formerly Mommessin family ownership since 1932)
- Appellation: Morey-Saint-Denis Grand Cru—one of only five Grand Cru designations in this village
- Average production: 180-220 cases annually, representing approximately 18,000-22,000 bottles per vintage
- Minimum aging requirement: 18 months in French oak (typically 30-40% new wood) before release, with optimal drinking window 8-25 years
History & Heritage
Clos de Tart's documented history extends to the 13th century when Cistercian monks of the Abbey of Tart (Abbaye de Tart) cultivated and enclosed the vineyard—hence the name 'Clos' (enclosed). The monastery maintained stewardship until the French Revolution's nationalization, after which the vineyard passed through various proprietors before the Mommessin family established their négociant house in Lyon in 1865 and acquired Clos de Tart in 1932. In 2018, French businessman Jean-Henri Rougeot's Maison Artemis acquired the estate, implementing significant modernization while respecting historical viticultural traditions and committing to biodynamic certification by 2025.
- Cistercian Abbey of Tart stewarded the vineyard from ~1200s until French Revolution
- Mommessin family ownership: 1932-2018 (86 years of consistent stewardship)
- Maison Artemis ownership: 2018-present; pursuing biodynamic certification and vineyard renewal
Geography & Climate
Clos de Tart occupies a southeast-facing slope in Morey-Saint-Denis at the heart of the Côte de Nuits, positioned between the village of Morey and the Grand Cru vineyards of Bonnes Mares to the north. The terroir benefits from Burgundy's continental climate with the Jura mountains moderating temperature extremes, while the vineyard's elevation (250-280m) and southeast exposure maximize sun accumulation during the critical August-September ripening period. Diurnal temperature variation between warm days and cool nights preserves aromatic complexity and natural acidity, essential characteristics of northern Pinot Noir expression.
- Southeast-facing slope provides optimal phenolic maturity without overripeness
- Burgundy limestone-rich soil (calcaire oolitique) imparts mineral tension and structural definition
- Continental climate with moderate oceanic influence; low rainfall during growing season supports concentration
Key Grapes & Wine Style
Clos de Tart produces exclusively Pinot Noir, representing the singular expression of this temperamental varietal in one of Burgundy's most favorable microclimates. The wines are characterized by silky, fine-grained tannins with red and dark cherry aromatics layered with mineral, earthy, and subtle spice notes developing with age. Unlike the more powerful Grand Crus of Chambertin or Musigny, Clos de Tart emphasizes elegance, complexity, and freshness—wines built for the cellar rather than immediate consumption, typically requiring 5-8 years before tertiary development becomes evident.
- 100% Pinot Noir with strict organic (transitioning biodynamic) protocols
- Silky tannin structure with 12.5-13.5% ABV typical of cool-climate Burgundy
- Primary flavors: red cherry, strawberry, forest floor; secondary: mushroom, graphite, leather
- Aging potential: minimum 8-10 years optimal, with elite vintages evolving 25-30+ years
Notable Producers & Current Proprietorship
Clos de Tart's status as a monopole eliminates the complexity of multiple producers—the vineyard yields wine exclusively under Maison Artemis's stewardship since 2018. Under Mommessin family ownership (1932-2018), Clos de Tart established itself as a benchmark Burgundy, with the 1949, 1961, 1985, and 2001 vintages garnering legendary status. Maison Artemis has invested substantially in cellar modernization, implementing temperature-controlled fermentation while respecting traditional winemaking—the 2019 and 2020 releases demonstrate renewed quality expression with enhanced precision and terroir transparency.
- Sole proprietor: Maison Artemis (2018-present); previously Mommessin (1932-2018)
- Historic legendary vintages: 1949, 1961, 1985, 2001 remain highly sought by collectors
- Modern releases (2019-2022 onwards) show refined extraction and mineral definition under Artemis stewardship
Wine Laws & Classification
Clos de Tart holds Grand Cru classification within Morey-Saint-Denis appellation, the highest designation in Burgundy's hierarchical system—indicating compliance with strict yield limits (25 hl/ha maximum), minimum alcohol levels (12% ABV minimum), and mandatory 18-month barrel aging before release. As a monopole, the vineyard must be walled (traditionally enclosed stone walls, still visible today) and represent a single, continuous parcel. The Grand Cru designation mandates bottling within Burgundy, preventing the producer from exporting bulk wine—ensuring quality control and terroir authenticity.
- Appellation: Morey-Saint-Denis Grand Cru (one of five GC designations in the village)
- Maximum yield: 25 hl/ha; minimum alcohol: 12.0% ABV; aging requirement: 18 months in barrel
- Monopole status: 100% single ownership with traditional stone wall enclosure requirement
- Bottling mandate: must occur within Burgundy region to ensure authenticity and traceability
Visiting & Burgundian Culture
Morey-Saint-Denis village, situated directly along the famous Route des Grands Crus between Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musigny, welcomes wine enthusiasts year-round for tastings and cultural immersion. The walled Clos de Tart vineyard—visible from the main village road—remains largely closed to casual visits due to its monopole status, though Maison Artemis occasionally hosts structured tastings and vineyard tours for serious collectors and trade professionals. The broader Morey-Saint-Denis region offers excellent hospitality through village restaurants, nearby châteaux accommodations, and autumn harvest celebrations (vendanges), connecting visitors directly to Burgundian terroir and viticultural heritage.
- Located on the Côte de Nuits between Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musigny
- Clos de Tart winery visits by appointment through Maison Artemis for serious collectors and professionals
- Nearby Morey-Saint-Denis village offers excellent gastronomy, accommodations, and cultural events during harvest season
Clos de Tart expresses Pinot Noir's silky elegance with red cherry and strawberry aromatics complemented by mineral, graphite, and subtle forest floor earthiness. Entry-level tastings reveal primary fruit-forward character; mid-palate demonstrates fine-grained tannin structure with balanced acidity (typically 3.8-4.2 g/L). After 8+ years of aging, tertiary complexity emerges: leather, mushroom, truffle, and graphite minerals replace primary fruit, while the wine achieves remarkable textural refinement and length. The sensory experience prioritizes finesse and complexity over power—a meditation wine rather than a blockbuster.