Domaine de Bellene, the négociant-éleveur project of Nicolas Potel, is celebrated for its meticulous approach to sourcing and crafting Burgundy's finest expressions. Potel, with his profound understanding of Burgundian terroir, applies a philosophy of minimal intervention to allow the vineyard's character to shine through.
The Beaune 1er Cru Les Perrières Blanc 2019 originates from a distinguished premier cru climat on the mid-slope of Beaune. The name "Perrières" (meaning 'quarries' or 'stony places') aptly describes the vineyard's well-drained, stony limestone soils, which are particularly conducive to producing Chardonnays of notable minerality and tension. The 2019 vintage in Burgundy is lauded for its balance, offering wines with both ripeness and refreshing acidity, promising excellent ageing potential.
Winemaking typically involves careful whole-bunch pressing, fermentation in French oak barrels (a proportion of which may be new), followed by extended ageing on fine lees. This regime contributes to the wine's textural complexity and integrates subtle oak nuances without overshadowing the inherent purity of the fruit and terroir.
Tasting notes
The 2019 Beaune 1er Cru Les Perrières Blanc presents a luminous golden hue. The nose is intricate, revealing precise aromas of ripe citrus, white peach, and subtle floral notes, underpinned by a distinct minerality reminiscent of wet stone and flint. Nuances of toasted almond and a delicate patisserie character emerge from careful oak maturation and lees contact.
On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a vibrant acidity that provides excellent tension and freshness. It offers a concentrated core of orchard fruit and lemon zest, beautifully framed by a creamy texture and a saline minerality. The finish is long, persistent, and remarkably clean, suggesting significant potential for further development and complexity with bottle age.