Decanter 94
"The Mourvèdre component comes forward, it gives fragrance and density to the Grenache. Very powerful, it also provides the deep-seated tannic base. There's freshness, but this is a very terrestrial, earthy wine with powerful, sonorous tannins. Heavy proportion of limestone in the soils, fermented and aged mostly in concrete, with 10% in old barriques. Drinking Window 2022 - 2035."

The Wine
77% Grenache, 23% Mourvdre
Grown on Urgonien limestone
Destemmed
Indigenous yeast
Aged in 80% concrete, 20% 1-2 year old barrels

The Estate
Clos Bellane is a small and unique domaine situated high in the hills outside Valras, in the northernmost section of the Southern Rhne. In this area, pure limestone slopes are found among the rolling hills, peaking at over 400m of altitude. Through a combination of organic farming and cool climate fruit, the wines of this remarkable estate achieve a balance and purity of the highest caliber. We couldnt be more excited to welcome the trailblazing Clos Bellane to the Skurnik Wines family!

Talented winemaker Stephane Vedeau purchased Clos Bellane in 2007 with the dream of making a fresher style of Ctes du Rhne Villages. He struck gold when he came to Valras and found Clos Bellane sitting high above the village at an altitude of over 400m. Seeing the potential in these steep and high elevation sites, he immediately converted the entire property to organic farming, with Ecocert certification achieved in 2010. With immaculate fruit at his disposal, he knew that a deft touch and minimalist approach was necessary in the cellar. Extraction is kept to an absolute minimum to allow the terroir to express itself fully, only indigenous yeasts are used for fermentation, and aging is done in a combination of tank, concrete, and large older barrels. The result is a lineup of wines with an astounding delicacy, freshness and vibrancy. In a short time, Stephane has vaulted this small domaine to the forefront of cool climate winemaking in the Southern Rhne.

Farming Practice
Certified Organic