This blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot will seduce lovers of refined, fresh and silky wines. The delicate fruit is underlined by a particularly fine grain of tannin. This juice offers a nice balance between fruit and freshness. The nose is delicate, on small red fruits, slightly smoky. The palate is straight, juicy, with superb aromatic precision. Salivating finish, which persists on notes of spices.\n \n Producer Information\n Domaine de Bellevue is an organic and biodynamic domaine in the Pays Nantais that is forging a modern path for Muscadet through creative winemaking, fearless experimentation and true passion thanks to Jérôme Bretaudeau. This westernmost part of the Loire is known primarily for Atlantic breezes and granite soils that help create high acid wines from Melon de Bourgogne. Domaine de Bellevue encompasses parcels from multiple areas of distinctly different terroir, growing a surprising variety of grapes that are vinified in an equal variety of ways. After studying viticulture, Jérôme worked for other winemakers in the region for over a decade, eventually taking over his family’s few hectares of vines in 2001. He set out to expand the domaine on his own terms, slowly adding parcels from the surrounding communes. He wanted to create a fine Muscadet of course, but also yearned to make wine from the grapes he most loved to drink. The domaine today includes 15 hectares spread across multiple communes. Loire-rarities like Savagnin, Chardonnay and Merlot (yes, Merlot from the Nantais) grow alongside Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Melon de Bourgogne. Jérôme and his team of six produce about 80,000 bottles a year, and unlike many others in the area, Domaine de Bellevue doesn’t buy any grapes, so all the wines are the pure result of their tireless work. Domaine de Bellevue was certified organic in 2012. A later conversion to biodynamic principles led to certification from Biodyvin in 2020. Yet Jérôme still plays by his own rules. Because of his freestyle experimentation with various ageing periods, vessels and grape varieties, almost all his wines are sold as Vin De France. Many have developed cult-like followings abroad and are difficult to secure most years.
