2021 Domaine Belle "Les Terres Blanches" Crozes-Hermitage Blanc

Staff Reviews

KM

Keith Mabry

Keith Mabry

K&L Buyer

The whites of Domaine Belle are some of the best in the Crozes-Hermitage region. The "Terres Blanches" is a blend of Marsanne and Roussanne planted on Kaolin, the local calcareous clay-limestone soil exclusive to the village of Larnage. Though it is lush and filled with gorgeous orchard fruit flavors, it has a nice mineral vibe and tension that helps build its frame. The balance of a small amount of new wood lends a creamy finish to this wine. For those not that familiar with whites of the Northern Rhone, this is a great place to start!

Notes

The roots of the Belle family run deep in Hermitage and extend back to the 18th century when the family began acquiring vines in the region. When descendant Louis Belle assumed control of the property he preferred tending vines over making wine. In 1933, he became one of the founding members of the Cave de Tain, the local cooperative. It was not until 2003 when grandson Philippe began making wines for the domaine. The property has 25 hectares of vines planted across Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, and St-Joseph, along with apricot orchards and a vine nursery tended by Philippe's brother, Jean-Claude. The vineyards were certified organic in 2014. The Terres Blanches is a blend of 70% Marsanne and 30% Roussanne planted on clay-limestone soils in the Larnage lieu-dit. It is aged in a mix of oak (some new) and stainless steel vats. Larnage whites have a fresh and inviting style that distinguish them from other Crozes whites.