15.5% abv, Nice, imported by Bond Imports, Inc., Littleton, CO. Cork closure: natural. Biodynamic calendar: root day.
Winemaking notes: 70% Folle Noire & 30% Braquet Noir (a local relative of Grenache) certified organic, from the Château’s estate vineyards of 13ha (of just 55ha in existence) are planted on steep terraced soils of sandy clay and lime rich cement with pudding stones of alpine origin. Château de Bellet is one of just six wineries in this tiny appellation north of Nice. Legend has it that these wines were once very vogue in the 17th and 18th centuries but the suburbs of Nice have encroached on the appellation with more homes and greenhouses for flowers taking over the terraces since the 20th century.
“ The proximity of Nice to the border with Italy, 30km (18 miles) to the east – and therefore the western vineyards of Liguria and Piedmont – is somewhat reflected in the style of Bellet wines and in particular the grape varieties used in their production.” – winesearcher
Tasting note: the Bellet Rouge is very deep garnet in color with a clean nose of pronounced intensity with aromas of violet, date, Turkish fig, blackberry, cassis, elderberry, gogi berry, sour black plum, tar, cedar, fennel, caraway, tarragon leaf, white pepper and garrigue. On the palate this wine is dry with medium+ acid, medium tannin, high alcohol, pronounced flavor intensity and a long finish with flavors of lavender, stewed plum, mure, cassis, black cherry, vanilla, yogurt, tar, clove, anise, fennel, herbs de Provence and garrigue. Drink now, this wine is outstanding: 9.6/10. A real diamond just a little in the rough, this had incredible concentration and power and the balance was almost there. The high alcohol has a subtle bite, but the complexity and power of this wine are unmatched by the the common red wines of Provence.