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Domaine Albert Belle
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Larnage, Northern Rhône |
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This family estate in the Northern Rhône has forged an enviable reputation for supple, generous wines. Previously a member of the local co-op the Belle family have rapidly made a name for themselves as a producer to watch. |
| The domaine extends to 19 hectares in 4 communes and two appellations, 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. |
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The red wines are produced traditionally using whole bunches of grapes and extended maceration. They are then matured in oak for between 12 and 18 months with 20 to 25% new barrels each year.
"Les Pierrelles" is produced in the commune of Pont de l'Isere on a stony vineyard with poor soils, the wine is relatively forward, with lovely textured tannin and aromas of red fruits.
"Cuvée Louis Belle", produced on a more gravely vineyard in Larnage, is more structured, weightier, well balanced and long, it's worthy of some extended cellaring.
The Hermitage is wonderfully concentrated, with exceptional balance and length. |
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The domaine's white wines are produced from a blend of Marsanne and Roussane, fermented in stainless steel at around 18 to 20 centigrade. 25% of the Crozes-Hermitage and 50% of the Hermitage is matured in oak enhancing the full, ripe flavours and attractive, complex aromas of the wines.
Domaine Belle is one of a handful of producers achieving the exciting potential of this area and justifying its reputation as one of the classic regions of France.
Click on the wine labels for larger versions:
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CROZES HERMITAGE BLANC, Domaine Albert Belle
A rich, soft white with subtle citrus fruit flavours overlaid with a creamy, nutty character. Displaying great concentration and complexity, this is a fine example from one of the leading lights of the region. |
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HERMITAGE BLANC, Domaine Albert Belle
A blend of Marsanne and Roussanne grapes provides a powerful yet elegant white with ripe, citrus and tropical fruit flavours overlaid with well integrated new oak. Broad, and textured this is a stunning wine that demands serious food to accompany it. |
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ST JOSEPH, Domaine Albert Belle
Typically full and powerful with spice and weight this is a little less structured and softer than the Crozes and certainly than the Hermitage so it is idea for drinking young. |
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CROZES HERMITAGE, "Les Pierrelles", Domaine Albert Belle
A rich, savoury example from one of the leading lights of the region. Well balanced with dark fruits and subtle spice combined with well integrated wood.
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CROZES HERMITAGE "Cuvee Louis Belle" Domaine Albert Belle
The premium cuvee from this highly regarded producer, Cuvee Louis Belle is made from parcels of low yielding syrah grapes grown in the famous Larnage area. It is very concentrated with rich, savoury, ripe dark fruit. Richly textured with creamy tannins and restrained spicy wood, this wine has a long complex finish.
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HERMITAGE ROUGE, Domaine Albert Belle
A truly magnificent wine from the great 1999 vintage that shows just how great syrah can be. Immensely concentrated with deep, brooding, almost opaque fruit. Well balanced, the new oak never dominating the finely textured fruit. Complex, very serious and powerful and with a finish that, fortunately, lingers on. |
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