Overview: Maison Roche de Bellene is the négociant label of Nicolas Potel, the well-known and highly regarded winemaker in Burgundy, also the mastermind behind Domaine de Bellene.
Founded in 2009, the emphasis at Roche de Bellene is on individual terroirs from vieilles vignes (old vines — 40 years or older) that are farmed responsibly. All of the growers that Nicolas works with are either certified organic or farming according to the principles of lutte raisonée (“sustainable viticulture”). This enables Nicolas to consistently produce the expressive, terroir-driven style that is his vision.
The Maison’s entry-level white Burgundy comes from old-vine parcels in the Côte de Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise. The vines have an average age of 48 years and, as with all the wines, harvesting is done by hand. After gentle pressing in a vertical basket press, native yeast fermentation and 100% malolactic fermentation occur in barrel. The wine is then aged in French oak casks, of which 5% are new. It undergoes no bâtonnage and is lightly fined and filtered before bottling.
Tasting Notes: Aromatically the wine has notes of bright, fresh grated lemon zest, as well as a buttery, lemon pie scent. The palate is full bodied with a deliciously creamy mouthfeel that isn't weighty, with a dash of acidity and a spiciness that lingers.
Pairing: Rabbit ballotine stuffed with rabbit pâté
Points: 91, Wine Enthusiast
Format / ABV: 750 ml / 12.0%
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