Domaine de Bellene Nuits Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes 2013

Domaine de Bellene was created in 2005, following a proposal from a number of winegrowers who were retiring to run their vineyards on a tenant basis. The desire to control the entire production chain, from the vine to the marketing of the wines, with a view to achieving the very highest quality, was decisive in the creation of this winegrowing operation. After Nicolas Potel purchased the buildings in 2006, extensive work was carried out to build the current estate. The estate's objective is to comply with HQE (High Environmental Quality) standards in terms of construction, in line with our philosophy of working with wines. The estate's first vinification took place in 2007. 

13.85 hectares formed the initial parcel of land, stretching from Santenay to the Côtes de Nuits Villages, with 3 major hubs in the Saint-Romain, Beaune and Savigny-Les-Beaune appellations. Organic from the outset, the domaine's aim was to work the vines with respect for the terroir, so that the grapes could be harvested in the best possible conditions. 

The Domaine is located in Beaune, in buildings steeped in history, dating back to the 16th century. The origin of the estate's name: "Bellene" comes from the name of the town of Beaune. In the first century AD, this town was called "Belena" after the Sun God "Belenos", then "Beaulne" and finally Beaune, which reflects our desire to make the estate a benchmark for Beaune wines. 

This vintage was extremely tormented by climatic conditions, with heavy rainfall throughout the vegetative cycle. Only August and September had favorable weather conditions. A new episode of hail ravaged the Volnay, Pommard, Beaune and Savigny-Les-Beaune sectors. However, with the experience of the previous vintage, the domaine was able to tackle this campaign calmly and obtain a magnificent harvest. The harvest took place on October 8, 2013. 

Part of our parcel since 2009, the Nuits Saint-Georges cuvée comes from 4 different climats with a clay-limestone terroir. This cuvée is produced from Pinot Noir vines with an average age of 68 years. Grown organically, these vines benefit from an east-south-east facing clay-limestone terroir at an altitude of 245 meters. The grapes are harvested by hand. 

This wine is characterized by its well-balanced structure, roundness and marked aromas of jammy red fruit, supported by subtle woody notes resulting from ageing in oak barrels. This Nuits-Saint-Georges is distinguished by its ruby color and intense aromatic bouquet, combining notes of black fruits such as black cherry and blackberry, with hints of spice, licorice and undergrowth.

"Domaine de Bellene is Nicolas Potel’s own estate, not to be confused with Maison Roche de Bellene, which is the négociant arm of the business. As the name suggests, this wine is from a 2.5ha vineyard of old vines. The nose is very approachable already, with notes of delicate raspberry fruit and rose petal. It has a round and fresh palate with soft tannins and fine red fruit characters. A really charming wine."- Decanter, Ratings: 90, Drink: 2016-2023