DOMAINE DE BELLE VUE (Loire, France)
Not far from the Atlantic coastline, in the land of Muscadet and oysters, is the 8ha domaine of Jerome Bertadeau. After 15 years of working for wineries in the region he scraped enough tanks and barrels together to begin his own cellar. Now 5 years into it, he is cultivating 10 different varietals in diverse soils near to his home. Jerome is a large, quiet man, set on working hard to get the best he can from his domaine. He has a mind for organic practices and traditional wine making. He has a clever approach to his cuvee selections as well. Rather than selecting from only 'lieu dix' sites, he harvests by age of vine per each soil type. This way he can learn what each vine will bring to his cellar as they come to age. He replants by massale selection, to keep his clones growing in there rightful home. His knows his 2 best soils hiding in the earth here too. Gabbrox from ancient volcanic activity (very raw in texture in the wine) and older granite/schist (for a rounder expression) are his 2 priorities. Jerome is an intelligent young vigneron, learning while he builds his new domaine. Great things are to come to those who can wait to drink him. New to us as well, we welcome the wines of Belle Vue.
Sauvignon Gris 2010

100% Sauvignon Gris. Handpicked from granite soils. Wild yeasts start ferments in steel tank (4wks). Some battonage of fine lees. Bottled following spring with low SO2.