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
Presentation
Domaine Belle benefits from a varied terroir where Syrah for the reds and Marsanne and Roussanne for the whites express themselves in different profiles.
The constant quest for low yields, generally between 20 and 40 hectolitres per hectare, involves the adoption of strict pruning and the application of very measured organic fertilization. Rigorous viticultural methods and manual harvesting are used to fully reveal the grape variety's qualitative potential.
The constant quest for low yields, generally between 20 and 40 hectolitres per hectare, involves the adoption of strict pruning and the application of very measured organic fertilization. Rigorous viticultural methods and manual harvesting are used to fully reveal the grape variety's qualitative potential.
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.
Winemaking
Stainless steel vat, destemming, temperature control.
Ageing
Aged in oak barrels with a variable proportion of new barrels. Between 12 and 25 months.
Varietal
Syrah : 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: 16°C / 61°F.
Ageing potential
Enjoy all year long, 5 to 10 years
Tasting
The wine is limpid and brilliant. Fresh, crisp fruit aromas soon emerge. Notes of coffee and tonka follow, topped by delicious aromas of red cherry and strawberry. The finish is long and generous, with round, present tannins.
Food pairings
Red meat, meat in sauce, gratin dauphinois, cheese.
Reviews
"100% Syrah. Aged for 14 months in old oak. Barrel sample. Tasted blind. Ripe red- and dark-fruit nose. Sweet and savoury with good freshness and tight well-managed tannins – scorched earth and chocolate with a warming finish; the alcohol is notable but still has good acidity underneath."
"While the nose suggests crisp blackberry and plums, the palate of this full-bodied Syrah is quite ripe, almost ruddy. Black plum and cherry flavors are luscious and open but edged by hints of bitter cacao and soft, fine tannins. At peak already but should drink well through 2024. "
