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
Clay-limestone also known as Kaolin
Winemaking
Low-temperature fermentation (16°): 20% in new barrels, 50% in 1-year-old barrels and 30% in stainless steel tanks.
Ageing
On fine lees in the same barrels and vats used for vinification, malolactic fermentation and bottling after 11 months of aging.
Varietals
Marsanne : 70%
Roussanne : 30%
Roussanne : 30%
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
Serving
T° of service: 12°C / 54°F.
Ageing potential
Enjoy all year long, 5 to 10 years
Tasting
This highly expressive white wine reveals yellow fruit aromas such as peach, apricot and mirabelle plum. As it airs, the wine reveals aromas of white flowers and white pepper. Harmonious on the palate, combining balanced sugar and freshness.
Food pairings
Reviews
"Coming from more limestone soils and 70% Marsanne and 30% Roussanne, the 2019 Crozes-Hermitage Les Terres Blanches is a crisp, beautifully balanced white with classy notes of quince, white flowers, honeysuckle, and green almonds. Playing in the more subtle, elegant end of the spectrum, it still has beautiful depth and richness as well as length. I'd certainly be happy to have it at the dinner table."
"70% Marsanne, 30% Roussanne. Organic. Aged on fine lees in barrels and vats for 11 months. Undergone malolactic fermentation. Tasted blind. Dominant oak on the nose. Rich mouthfeel with the oak apparent, some nice green fruit notes underneath and good levels of freshness. Needs time to let the oak marry, but there is a nice vibrancy to the wine."
