Château de Bellet - Cuvée Baron G. blanc 2017

The wine’s oak notes blend perfectly with hints of citrus, zest, thyme, and a touch of smokiness. It has a beautiful, well-crafted body with depth, though it’s still holding back a bit. Some time in the glass will allow it to open up.

Located on the Séoules hill, in the hills above Nice at an elevation of nearly 300 meters, the terraced vineyard benefits from sea mist that tempers the summer heat. After producing 47 vintages and establishing the renown and reputation 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 vineyards, under the leadership—since the summer of 2018—of Jean de Laître, a talented winemaking expert who is also active in the Bordeaux region. An ultra-functional winery at the foot of the old chapel now allows for winemaking that is closely attuned to the terroir. A new style is emerging, with the range reorganized into three tiers (entry-level wines, terroir wines, and the exceptional “agnès” cuvées), promising a bright future for this historic estate. The latest vintages reflect this positive shift.

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

This estate was created 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.