Clos Bellane Les Echalas Cotes du Rhone Villages Blanc Valreas 2013
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Robert
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The top white from the estate is the 2013 Côtes du Rhône Villages Valréas les Echalas Blanc. Made from 100% Roussanne and brought up all in barrels (and taking more than a year to ferment dry), it’s a serious, layered, gorgeously full-bodied white that gives up lots of honeyed nuances, buttered peach, citrus and broche on the nose. Possessing solid freshness, building richness and blockbuster finish, it’s a hidden gem in the vintage. Range: 92-94
Acquired in 2010 by Stephane Vedeau, Clos Bellane is situated on the tray of Vinsobres, in the southeast of Valreas, in the heart of the Enclave of the Popes in Vaucluse, but inside the Drome. The estate benefits from an exceptionally cool climate at an altitude of 410 m and is home to 120 beehives and a truffle forest. The vineyard, from which offers itself an exceptional panorama on Ventoux and the Laces of Montmirail, extends over 48 hectares all in one piece, in southeast, southwest exposure. In red Grenache dominates, completed by Syrah, whereas Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier and sparkling white wine are divided the roles into white.
There are hundreds of white grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles.
An appellation full of some of the most delightful and particularly charming reds, Côtes du Rhône Villages includes the best villages of the greater Côtes du Rhône appellation. The possibility for an appellation promotion exists for every named village but each has to achieve and prove superior quality before an upgrade will be granted. The main ones today are Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise, Vinsobres, Rasteau and Cairanne.
The Gigondas appellation, while sometimes producing wines with a touch of rusticity, can often rival Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Its elevations are higher and soils richer in limestone. Vacqueyras reds are more concentrated than the more general Côtes du Rhône reds and must be at least one half comprised of Grenache by law. Beaumes de Venise also includes some excellent higher elevation spots for making snappy, fruity and spicy reds but historically the appellation’s esteem came from its fragrant, sweet and golden Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise.