Domaine Belle has roots in Hermitage that date back several generations. The estate was founded by Louis Belle in the 1930’s, and in the 90's Philippe Belle built his first modern winery and cellar. The Wine Advocate cites "Domaine Belle is one of the most consistent and reliable producers of Crozes Hermitage. While the family doesn't shy away from the use of oak, there's either less new oak than there used to be, and the wines are more intense and fruity."
Presentation
Location
The domaine extends to 25 hectares in 6 communes and three appellations, Saint Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage. Low yields in the vineyards (30-35 hl/ha) and of course the wonderful climate help produce grapes of exceptional quality. This soil is composed of white limestone clay also known as Kaolin, Granite and Galet stone.
Terroir
Permeable sandy limestone soil.
Winemaking
Low-temperature fermentation (16°) entirely in oak barrels of which 75% new oak and 25% 1-year-old oak.
Ageing
On fine lees with malolactic fermentation in barrels, bottled bottled after 20 months of ageing.
Varietals
Marsanne : 60%
Roussanne : 40%
Roussanne : 40%
Specifications
Alcohol content : 14,5 % vol.
GM : No.
Contains sulphites. Does not contain egg or egg products. Does not contain milk or milk-based products.
Advice
Ageing potential
10 to 15 years
Tasting
From the very first nose, we are swayed by notes of citrus, spices and ripe fruit. A magnificent balance between sweetness and tension, this wine is rich, dense and fresh.
Food pairings
Reviews
"Pure quince, honeyed white flowers, spice, and beautiful minerality all emerge from the 2021 Hermitage Blanc, a medium-bodied, concentrated, tight, reserved, yet incredibly promising Hermitage Blanc. I followed this bottle for multiple days, and it put on weight with air, so hide bottles for a year or two. It should be long-lived given its balance, freshness, and purity."
