2022 · Hermitage rouge

Family-owned Domaine Belle is based in Larnage, in the northern Rhône, with a history reaching back to the 17th century and several generations of Belle family vignerons. After leaving the Tain cooperative in 1990, the family returned to estate vinification and bottling. Its vineyards span six communes and the Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage and Saint-Joseph appellations, with varied clay-limestone, granite and alluvial soils. The domaine emphasizes low yields, mechanical soil work, moderate organic fertilization, natural and reasoned treatments, and manual harvesting; it began conversion to organic farming in 2014. Wines are made traditionally with modern facilities: reds are Syrah, while whites combine Marsanne and Roussanne. Crozes-Hermitage from Larnage’s slopes and alluvial plain is a particular focus, with some cuvées receiving extended barrel aging.