Domaine Belle has roots in Hermitage that date back several generations, to the 1600s, when vineyards in Larnage were owned by the local lord before being redistributed to families in 1769 for personal use. The Belle family gradually expanded their holdings, initially selling wine locally and later joining the Cave de Tain in 1933. In the 1970s, Albert Belle revived winemaking, and in 1990, alongside his son Philippe, officially founded Domaine Belle and built a modern winery.
Presentation
Presentation
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."
Location
The domaine is 25 hectares - it extends on 6 small towns and three appellations: Saint Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage. Low yields in the vineyards (30-35 hl/ha), as well as the climate, help produce grapes of exceptional quality. Soils are mainly composed of white clay-limestone, also known as Kaolin, granite and rolled pebbles.
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.
Contains sulphites. Does not contain egg or egg products. Does not contain milk or milk-based products. No..
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. "
