Bellet

The Bellet Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) covers approximately 650 hectares, of which about 50 are under cultivation. The hills of Bellet are part of the final foothills of the Alps. The vineyard is entirely located within the municipality of Nice and currently comprises about fifteen family-run estates. Among the renowned wines of the Bellet appellation are Château de Bellet, Château de Crémat, Domaine Saint Jean, and Clos Saint Vincent.

The Bellet vineyards are rooted in narrow terraces called “Restanques,” composed of rounded pebbles mixed with very light-colored sand (poudingue) and a few clay veins. These excellent conditions combine to promote the full expression and ripeness of the grapes, resulting in the harmonious character of Bellet red wines . Furthermore, the unique climatic conditions promote a slow ripening process that is essential to the freshness and elegance of the white and rosé wines.

The decree establishing the Bellet wine appellation, dating from 1941, authorizes a number of grape varieties. For white wines, winemakers primarily use Rolle, a grape variety typical of Nice that accounts for more than 80% of production, with Chardonnay making up the remainder. Bellet red and rosé wines are made from Folle Noire or Braquet and, to a lesser extent, Grenache and Cinsault. In Bellet, the grapes are harvested by hand toward the end of September.