Maison Roche de Bellene 'Cuvée Réserve' Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Burgundy, France 2022
Pickup available at DECANT Napa - 2999 Solano, Napa, CA
Usually ready in 1 hour
Maison Roche de Bellene was founded in 2009 by Nicolas Potel, an iconic figure in Burgundy winemaking and son of the renowned Gérard Potel of Domaine de la Pousse d'Or. After extensive international training in Australia (Moss Wood, Leeuwin Estate, Mount Mary), California (Dehlinger), and with legendary Burgundy producers (Domaine Matrot, Domaine Georges Roumier), Nicolas established his négoçiant house with a focus on authentic, terroir-driven wines from responsibly farmed old vines. The company's name derives from Belenos, the ancient Gallic god of sun and beauty, referenced in the city of Beaune's Roman-era name. Working closely with growers throughout the Côte d'Or, Potel has built a reputation for producing wines that authentically express Burgundy's character while offering exceptional value.
- WINEMAKER: Nicolas Potel
- FARMING: Partner growers are either certified organic or practice lutte raisonnée (sustainable viticulture). Emphasis on environmentally sensitive practices.
- VARIETY: 100% Pinot Noir
- TERROIR: Cuvée Réserve is sourced from 20-50 year old vineyards across the Côte d'Or, including parcels from both Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. Clay-limestone soils with alluvial deposits, silt, and gravel typical of the region. The Côte d'Or's ancient seabed-derived limestone and clay layers provide ideal conditions for Pinot Noir expression.
- VINIFICATION: Manual harvest in small crates to preserve fruit integrity. Rigorous sorting. Indigenous yeast fermentation. Gentle vertical pressing to extract juice while preserving delicate aromatics. Natural malolactic fermentation. Minimalist winemaking approach emphasizing transparency of terroir with thoughtful intervention only when necessary.
- AGING: French oak barrels with light fining and filtration before bottling.
- TASTING NOTES: Medium-bodied with a luminous ruby color. The nose is earthy and floral with aromas of red cherry, ripe raspberry, confited cherry, humus, and subtle floral notes. The palate offers ripe red berry, cherry, sweet spice, savory herbs, and flinty mineral character. Balanced acidity provides freshness and lift. Silky, fine tannins create a delicate mouthfeel. Discrete oak influence allows the fruit and terroir to shine. The finish is clean, bright, and food-friendly with lingering red fruit notes.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled chicken, roasted pork tenderloin, poached salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, coq au vin, soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, charcuterie, pheasant pie.
Maison Roche de Bellene was founded in 2009 by Nicolas Potel, an iconic figure in Burgundy winemaking and son of the renowned Gérard Potel of Domaine de la Pousse d'Or. After extensive international training in Australia (Moss Wood, Leeuwin Estate, Mount Mary), California (Dehlinger), and with legendary Burgundy producers (Domaine Matrot, Domaine Georges Roumier), Nicolas established his négoçiant house with a focus on authentic, terroir-driven wines from responsibly farmed old vines. The company's name derives from Belenos, the ancient Gallic god of sun and beauty, referenced in the city of Beaune's Roman-era name. Working closely with growers throughout the Côte d'Or, Potel has built a reputation for producing wines that authentically express Burgundy's character while offering exceptional value.
- WINEMAKER: Nicolas Potel
- FARMING: Partner growers are either certified organic or practice lutte raisonnée (sustainable viticulture). Emphasis on environmentally sensitive practices.
- VARIETY: 100% Pinot Noir
- TERROIR: Cuvée Réserve is sourced from 20-50 year old vineyards across the Côte d'Or, including parcels from both Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. Clay-limestone soils with alluvial deposits, silt, and gravel typical of the region. The Côte d'Or's ancient seabed-derived limestone and clay layers provide ideal conditions for Pinot Noir expression.
- VINIFICATION: Manual harvest in small crates to preserve fruit integrity. Rigorous sorting. Indigenous yeast fermentation. Gentle vertical pressing to extract juice while preserving delicate aromatics. Natural malolactic fermentation. Minimalist winemaking approach emphasizing transparency of terroir with thoughtful intervention only when necessary.
- AGING: French oak barrels with light fining and filtration before bottling.
- TASTING NOTES: Medium-bodied with a luminous ruby color. The nose is earthy and floral with aromas of red cherry, ripe raspberry, confited cherry, humus, and subtle floral notes. The palate offers ripe red berry, cherry, sweet spice, savory herbs, and flinty mineral character. Balanced acidity provides freshness and lift. Silky, fine tannins create a delicate mouthfeel. Discrete oak influence allows the fruit and terroir to shine. The finish is clean, bright, and food-friendly with lingering red fruit notes.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled chicken, roasted pork tenderloin, poached salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, coq au vin, soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, charcuterie, pheasant pie.