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
Granitic.
Winemaking
In temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, partial destemming, daily pumping over and punching of the cap, final hot maceration, 4-week vatting period with indigenous yeasts.
Ageing
In oak barrels for 24 months, with 30% new barrels, 40% one-wine barrels and one-wine barrels and 30% 2-wine barrels.
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, 10 to 15 years
Tasting
Tasting notes of tangy red fruit and blackberry. As it airs, the wine reveals notes of cinnamon. Then come aromas of black cherry, vanilla and cocoa. The tannins are frank and present. This is a wine that combines power, length and freshness.
Reviews
"The 2020 Crozes-Hermitage Roche Pierre is another Hermitage look-alike with its dark purple hue as well as its nose of cassis, smoked meats, iron, graphite, and leather. It's a big wine, with full-bodied richness, yet it's not over the top in any way, has building tannins, terrific balance, and a great finish. It needs 2-3 years to integrate its élevage and will evolve for well over a decade. Bravo to this estate for one of the wines of the appellation."
