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
Argilo-calcaire aussi appelé Kaolin.
Winemaking
Low-temperature fermentation (16°) for 25% in new barrels, 40% in 1-wine barrels and 35% in 2-wine barrels.
Ageing
On fine lees in the same barrels used for vinification, malolactic fermentation and bottling after 12 months aging.
Varietal
Marsanne : 100%
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 promising wine's first nose offers up aromas of citrus fruit, preserved lemon and bergamot. On the palate, ripe yellow fruit aromas are revealed, along with spicy nutmeg notes. Lightly woody notes mingle with white floral aromas. The wine is full-bodied and harmonious, sustained by freshness and aromatic power.
Food pairings
Reviews
"Barrel fermented and aged in one-fourth new oak (the rest goes into second use barrels), it offers up seductive aromas of peaches, pears and melon accented by hints of pencil shavings and crushed stone. Full-bodied and rich on the palate, it remains fresh and lively, buoyed by ample acids, hints of citrus zest and briny notes on the long, lingering finish. "
"More aromatic and exotic, the 2019 Crozes-Hermitage Roche Blanche ratchets up the intensity and offers a classic nose of quince, green almonds, brioche, and white flowers. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and wonderfully textured, it has a solid sense of freshness and purity as well as an almost Hermitage Blanc-like stature and depth."
"The 2021 Crozes-Hermitage Roche Blanche Blanc (100% Marsanne) is impressive and certainly a huge success in this challenging vintage. White peach, pineapple, honeyed flowers, and spice all emerge on the nose, and it has terrific intensity and purity. The palate shows the more medium-bodied style of the vintage but has good depth of fruit, integrated acidity, and a great finish. Drink it over the coming 2-4 years."
