Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone Valley, France
The Domaine Belle has a long and storied history in the great Northern Rhône appellations of Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and Saint Joseph. The Les Pierrelles vineyard is in the southern sector of Crozes-Hermitage, where vines cling to terraces featuring stony, sandy red clay strewn with rounded pebbles (pierrelles). Belle’s Les Pierrelles opens with a classic Northern Rhône Syrah black-plum robe followed by classic aromas of black currants, violets, leather, smoke, and toffee. On the palate, the wine shows deep plum and cassis fruit accented by salty minerals, smoke, olives, black pepper, lavender, and bay leaf. The wine finishes bright, juicy with lifting acidity and just enough chewy tannins to rein in its exuberant fruit expression. This is terrific Crozes-Hermitages that will satisfy ardent Northern Rhône geeks yet is affordable enough – and approachable enough – to be enjoyed as your attention-grabbing red for barbecues, as well as a noble foil for roast leg of lamb. It will also thrill with hearty bean stews, mushroom-rich vegetarian preparations, and antipasti focused on the finest salumi. Enjoy now and over the coming seven years.
An April 2020 newsletter selection
