Château de Bellet - Cuvée Baron G. blanc 2017

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

The wine’s oak notes blend seamlessly with hints of citrus, zest, thyme, and a touch of smokiness. It has a beautiful, well-structured body with depth, though it remains somewhat reserved. A little time in the glass will allow it to open up.

About the estate:

Located on the Séoules hill, on the outskirts of Nice at an altitude of nearly 300 meters, the terraced vineyard benefits from sea mist that tempers the summer heat. After producing 47 vintages and establishing the reputation and renown of the Bellet appellation, Ghislain de Charnacé sold his 12-hectare vineyard in 2014 to the real estate management company La Française REM (which owns other vineyards). Considerable resources have been invested in restructuring the vineyard, under the leadership, since the summer of 2018, of Jean de Laître, a talented master winemaker also active in the Bordeaux region. An ultra-functional winery at the foot of the old chapel now allows for winemaking that is as closely tied to the terroir as possible. A new style is emerging, with a reorganization of the portfolio into three tiers (entry-level wines, terroir wines, and exceptional “agnès” cuvées), promising a bright future for this historic estate. The latest vintages demonstrate this positive shift.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

This Vermentino-dominated cuvée (90%) boasts a golden-yellow hue and offers a complex bouquet blending mango, candied zest, vanilla, and toasty, spicy notes. Round and opulent, it still bears the marks of its aging and will benefit from some time in the cellar.

About the estate:

This estate was established in 2012 through the merger of two properties, Château de Bellet and Les Coteaux de Bellet, which were acquired by the French company REM. The vineyard covers 10 hectares.