Maison Roche de Bellene Bourgogne Pinot Noir Vielles Vignes 2018

Wine Type:
Style of Wine:	Smooth & Silky
Country of Origin:	France
Wine Region:	Burgundy
Grape Varietal:	Pinot Noir
Bottle Format:	750mL
Case Size:	12 bottles
$503.40 Per Case ($41.95/btl) Add to Cart

Tasting Notes

Nicolas Potel grew up at the Volnay domaine Pousse d'Or, where his father, Gérard, had worked since 1964. At a time when Burgundy was producing large volumes of mediocre wine, Gérard Potel was experimenting with new techniques to improve ripeness and concentration.

Nicolas trained abroad and returned home in 1996, hoping to build a négociant business with his father, since the Potels did not own Pousse d'Or. But in 1997, Gérard died at age 61 of a heart attack, and Nicolas and his mother had to leave Pousse d'Or. That was the start of Maison Nicolas Potel. Potel began sourcing grapes from good parcels, often working with the growers to improve quality. By 2002, he was making 120 wines from 50 different appellations.

This entry-level red Burgundy comes from vineyards in the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. The vines range in age from 30 to 80 years and are farmed sustainably. The major part of this wine is matured in barriques and the remainder is done in stainless steel. This maintains a pure style with bright fruit and a fine texture. 100% Delicious smashed cherry skins, crunchy acidity and fresh vibrant intensity. But, beneath all the fresh red flowers and sweet talc on the nose there is a fine whiff of wet rocks and autumn. Tannins are chalky, soft and plump. This true Vieilles Vignes Burgundy has killer finesse and an insane quaffable quality that makes it a dangerous wine.

This Bourgogne Pinot Noir is light enough to pair with salmon but complex enough to accompany a dish of duck confit. Try it with earthy-fatty meals like mushroom risotto, grilled trout or gnocchi with ricotta and some herbs!

Critical Praise