In the glass
What it pairs with
-
Braised lamb shank with root vegetables
The wine's concentration and mineral depth suit slow-braised lamb. -
Duck breast with cherry reduction
Dark fruit in the wine mirrors the cherry reduction accompanying duck. -
Grilled beef entrecote
The firm tannins and mineral intensity need a well-marbled beef cut.
How to serve Crozes-Hermitage Cuvee Louis Belle
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Braised lamb shank with root vegetables, Duck breast with cherry reduction, Grilled beef entrecote. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
The Cuvee Louis Belle is the prestige selection from Domaine Belle, named in honour of the founding member of the family. It is made only from the estate's finest parcels in exceptional vintages.
- 1998 — First vintage of Cuvee Louis Belle as the prestige selection from Domaine Belle
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Belle
- Grapes
- Syrah (100%)
- Classification
- Crozes-Hermitage AOC
- Oak
- 18 months in new and used French oak barriques
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- EUR 30-50 at retail
- Drinking window
- 6-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1998
- Organic
- ECOCERT
Frequently asked about Crozes-Hermitage Cuvee Louis Belle
What does Crozes-Hermitage Cuvee Louis Belle taste like?
Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long, mineral and savoury finish.
When should I drink Crozes-Hermitage Cuvee Louis Belle?
Drink 6-15 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Crozes-Hermitage Cuvee Louis Belle?
Braised lamb shank with root vegetables is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Duck breast with cherry reduction and Grilled beef entrecote. The wine's concentration and mineral depth suit slow-braised lamb.
What grapes are in Crozes-Hermitage Cuvee Louis Belle?
The blend is Syrah (100%). The wine is classified as Crozes-Hermitage AOC.