2021 Domaine Belle "Roche Blanche" Crozes-Hermitage Blanc

Staff Reviews

KM

Keith Mabry

Keith Mabry

K&L Buyer

The "Roche Blanche" Crozes Blanc is a bold expression of pure Marsanne all from Kaolin soils. Showing more tropical nuances of pineapple and mango, this is a beautifully fresh style. The 2021 vintage was a little lighter for wines in this vintage, but it serves the Belle whites well, giving them more vibrant fruit aromas and brighter acidity.

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 Roche Blanche is 100% Marsanne from vines planted in the 1940s and 1950s in the clay-limstone soils of Larnage. The wine is fermented and aged in oak casks, about 25% new. This is the epitome of whites from Crozes with its nuanced stone fruit and pineapple aromas and nutty undertones. A gorgeous ageworthy white from the region that will show even more of its Larnage terroir as it ages.