This past weekend was an opportunity for the Bellet winemakers to open their estates to visitors to introduce and share their “Urban Wine,” which is certainly unparalleled in France and possibly even in the world.
Unfortunately, the freezing weather, especially on Sunday, discouraged the number of “enthusiastic participants” to just a few dozen, but this did not lessen the commitment of the Friends of the Bellet Vineyard, who could be attributed the Latin motto: “semper fidelis.” Next meeting: January 25, 2011, for a day of activities and tastings (starting at 1:30 PM at the Church Square) on the occasion of Saint Vincent’s Day.
The Bellet vineyard is certainly one of the oldest in France, with its plantation likely dating back to the time of the Phocaean foundation of Marseille.
The early 19th century marked the most prosperous period of the vineyard, as it is believed to have covered more than 1000 hectares at the time. Several plagues threatened its disappearance. However, the courage of the winemakers, attached to their local vintage, was rewarded by the classification of Bellet wine as an “Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée” (A.O.C) in 1941. Comprising family-run farms, the hills of Bellet are home to about fifteen winemakers, dedicated to the Tradition and Quality.
Today, Bellet wine is known worldwide.
Appreciated by Louis XIV, then by President Thomas Jefferson, and more recently by Jules Romain, it currently attains its full nobility on the finest tables.
The appellation covers about 650 hectares, with 50 hectares in production, including 20 hectares of the Château de Crémat, the largest estate, owned by a Dutchman who settled there.
Perched on the slopes of the last foothills of the Alps, at an altitude of about 200 to 300 meters, it is entirely located within the territory of the city of Nice, in the Alpes-Maritimes department. In the heart of the Mediterranean region, this vineyard benefits from abundant sunshine (approximately 2700 hours per year), beneficial rain (838 mm per year), and a unique microclimate due to its altitude and the winds (Mistral and Tramontane), which blow almost uninterruptedly in the valley.
This climatic characteristic allows for a slow maturation process essential notably for the freshness and elegance of white and rosé wines.
The vines are rooted in narrow terraces called “Restanques,” composed of round pebbles mixed with very light sand (Poudingue) with some clay veins. These excellent conditions together promote the expression and full maturity of the grapes, achieving harmony in the red wines.
Towards the end of September, manual harvesting of the grapes takes place. The low yields per hectare (selection of grape quality, terrain configuration) never reach the authorized yield of 40 Hl/Ha.
Here is the list of owner-producers:
AUGIER Estate
C.E.A Les Coteaux de BELLET
Château de BELLET
Château de CREMAT
Domaine SAINT JEAN
Clos Saint VINCENT
Collet de BOVIS
Via JULIA – AUGUSTA
Domaine de la SOURCE
Domaine de VINCELINE
Domaine de TOASC
Clos NICEA
