Structure

Bodyfull
Tanninfirm
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Best 6 to 15 years from vintage.
vintage6 yrs15 yrs17 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating in the header is our own.

In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong, Mineral And Savoury finish

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.

  1. Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
  2. Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. 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.

  1. 1998: First vintage of Cuvee Louis Belle as the prestige selection from Domaine Belle

Facts

Producer
Domaine Belle · visiting guide
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.

Tags

dry firm tannin full body high acid medium term mood rustic mood savoury occasion cellar occasion dinner party old world organic pairs with game pairs with red meat price premium single vineyard still red syrah

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