Domaine Belluard
Domaine Belluard is one of the leading biodynamic producers in the Savoie. The vineyards of this region lie high in the mountains and are not very far from the famous ski fields of the beautiful village of Chamonix. They are also quite close to the Swiss border.
In Paris recently we were lucky enough to attend a small, private tasting of Savoie biodynamic wines from some of the top producers in the area and the white wines made by Dominique Belluard near the village of Ayse were a standout of the tasting. These are pure, elegant wines of great complexity and finesse. We know that you will love them!
This domaine practices organic viniculture, uses no pesticides or herbicides in the vineyard and no nasty additives in the winemaking process. The grapes are fermented using only the naturally occurring yeasts.
Domaine Belluard Vin de Savoie Ayse Brut 2008
A lovely sparkling wine made from 100% Gringet, a traditional grape of the
Savoie region. It displays both finesse and minerality and can be drunk as an
aperitif or throughout a meal and even with dessert if required. It is a fine
sparkling wine. The alcohol level is 12%.
RRP: $37
Domaine Belluard Vin de Savoie Ayse Mont-Blanc Méthode Traditionnelle Brut-Zéro 2006
A lovely sparkling wine made from 100% Gringet, a traditional grape of the
Savoie region and nominated as a grape for sparkling and still wines in the Vin
de Savoie appellation. It displays both finesse and minerality and can be drunk as an
aperitif or throughout a meal and even with dessert if required. It is a fine
sparkling wine. This wine is matured for longer than the standard Brut.
RRP: SOLD OUT - MORE COMING
Domaine Belluard Vin de Savoie Blanc Gringet Les Alpes 2009
This beautiful white wine is made from 100% Gringet, a traditional,
indigenous grape of the Savoie region.
Although this grape is sometimes said to be a variant of Savagnin that thrives in the nearby Jura, it has been clearly demonstrated through DNA analysis that there is no relationship between the grapes.
Gringet is commonly used to make sparkling wines in this area but the Belluards also craft fine, elegant white wines such as this from this grape that thrive in the calcareous glacial moraines that line this valley.
The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts and only a tiny amount of sulphur is added to the bottle. Sulphur is not used during the winemaking process. The alcohol level is 12%.
Here is what Christophe Guitard, founder of Ochato.com, has to say about the sensation of tasting a Savoie wine like Domaine Belluard's Les Alpes.
"It's made up entirely of Gringet, of which only 50 acres (22 hectares) exist. If you are epicurean and curious, you want to taste this mysterious, extremely rare varietal, which moreover creates something unlike any classic wine, with notes of smoke and jasmine. It's so atypical you easily lose yourself in it."
RRP: $44
Domaine Belluard Vin de Savoie Blanc Gringet Les Alpes 2010
This beautiful white wine is made from 100% Gringet, a traditional,
indigenous grape of the Savoie region.
Although this grape is sometimes said to be a variant of Savagnin that thrives in the nearby Jura, it has been clearly demonstrated through DNA analysis that there is no relationship between the grapes.
Gringet is commonly used to make sparkling wines in this area but the Belluards also craft fine, elegant white wines such as this from this grape that thrive in the calcareous glacial moraines that line this valley.
The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts and only a tiny amount of sulphur is added to the bottle. Sulphur is not used during the winemaking process. The alcohol level is 12%.
Here is what Christophe Guitard, founder of Ochato.com, has to say about the sensation of tasting a Savoie wine like Domaine Belluard's Les Alpes.
"It's made up entirely of Gringet, of which only 50 acres (22 hectares) exist. If you are epicurean and curious, you want to taste this mysterious, extremely rare varietal, which moreover creates something unlike any classic wine, with notes of smoke and jasmine. It's so atypical you easily lose yourself in it."
RRP: $45
Domaine Belluard Vin de Savoie Blanc Gringet Le Feu 2009
The Le Feu is perhaps our favourite of this stunning line up of wines. It is
particularly elegant and refined with the late-maturing grapes being selected
from very old, low-yielding vines on very steep slopes. The alcohol level is
12.8%.
There are floral and fruity elements on the nose, and in the mouth you will detect citrus fruits and white peaches with a minty note that gives it freshness and minerality as well as refinement and balance.
This wine teams well with all types of seafood but also goes very well with chicken and quail and a range of fresh cheeses.
RRP: $60
Domaine Belluard Vin de Savoie Blanc Gringet Le Feu 2010
The Le Feu is perhaps our favourite of this stunning line up of wines. It is
particularly elegant and refined with the late-maturing grapes being selected
from very old, low-yielding vines on very steep slopes. The alcohol level is
12.8%.
There are floral and fruity elements on the nose, and in the mouth you will detect citrus fruits and white peaches with a minty note that gives it freshness and minerality as well as refinement and balance.
This vintage marks a change for Dominique Belluard because he has now achieved his ambition to ferment his best wines in concrete 'eggs' - large ovoids that he believes allow the fermentation to proceed in a more harmonious way.
This wine teams well with all types of seafood but also goes very well with chicken and quail and a range of fresh cheeses.
RRP: $60
Domaine Belluard Vin de Savoie Blanc Altesse Grandes Jorasses 2009
This elegant white is made from the local grape called Altesse or, sometimes,
Roussette de Savoie. The vineyard from which this wine is made lies at an
altitude of 450 metres above sea level. The grapes are hand-harvested and
fermented naturally. The alcohol level is 12%.
It is named after the Grandes Jorasses mountain - one of the highest peaks in the Alps.
RRP: $48
Domaine Belluard Vin de Savoie Blanc Altesse Grandes Jorasses 2010
This elegant white is made from the local grape called Altesse or, sometimes,
Roussette de Savoie. The vineyard from which this wine is made lies at an
altitude of 450 metres above sea level. The grapes are hand-harvested and
fermented naturally. The alcohol level is 12%.
It is named after the Grandes Jorasses mountain - one of the highest peaks in the Alps.
RRP: $49