Clos Bellane Cotes du Rhone Villages Valreas Blanc 2019
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Wine Spectator
Lively, with green almond, yellow plum and honeysuckle notes bouncing off each other with harmony, ending with a floral-lined finish. Drink now through 2022.
Other Vintages
2015-
Robert
Parker
Acquired in 2010 by Stephane Vedeau, Clos Bellane is situated on the tray of Vinsobres, in the southeast of Valreas, in the heart of the Enclave of the Popes in Vaucluse, but inside the Drome. The estate benefits from an exceptionally cool climate at an altitude of 410 m and is home to 120 beehives and a truffle forest. The vineyard, from which offers itself an exceptional panorama on Ventoux and the Laces of Montmirail, extends over 48 hectares all in one piece, in southeast, southwest exposure. In red Grenache dominates, completed by Syrah, whereas Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier and sparkling white wine are divided the roles into white.
Full-bodied and flavorful, white Rhône blends originate from France’s Rhône Valley. Today these blends are also becoming popular in other regions. Typically some combination of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier form the basis of a white Rhône blend with varying degrees of flexibility depending on the exact appellation. Somm Secret—In the Northern Rhône, blends of Marsanne and Roussanne are common but the south retains more variety. Marsanne, Roussanne as well as Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picpoul and Ugni Blanc are typical.
An appellation full of some of the most delightful and particularly charming reds, Côtes du Rhône Villages includes the best villages of the greater Côtes du Rhône appellation. The possibility for an appellation promotion exists for every named village but each has to achieve and prove superior quality before an upgrade will be granted. The main ones today are Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise, Vinsobres, Rasteau and Cairanne.
The Gigondas appellation, while sometimes producing wines with a touch of rusticity, can often rival Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Its elevations are higher and soils richer in limestone. Vacqueyras reds are more concentrated than the more general Côtes du Rhône reds and must be at least one half comprised of Grenache by law. Beaumes de Venise also includes some excellent higher elevation spots for making snappy, fruity and spicy reds but historically the appellation’s esteem came from its fragrant, sweet and golden Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise.