Domaine Belluard – Introduction to Gringet
Many of you will know about the tragic death of Dominique Belluard during the Covid epidemic. He was an extraordinary vigneron who leaves a great legacy, not least of which is the recognition he gained for his beloved Gringet grape variety.
We have been fortunate to receive a shipment of the Mont Blanc sparkling wine (2019) made by Dominique prior to his death and this is available for purchase. The description is below.
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Domaine Belluard is one of the leading biodynamic producers in the Savoie. The vineyards of this region lie high in the mountains and are not very far from the famous ski fields of the beautiful village of Chamonix. They are also quite close to the Swiss border.
We first met Dominique Belluard when we were lucky enough to attend a small, private tasting of Savoie biodynamic wines from some of the top producers in the area and the white Gringet wines made by Dominique near the village of Ayse were a standout of the tasting. These are pure, elegant wines of great complexity and finesse. We know that you will love them!
This domaine practices organic and biodynamic viticulture, uses no pesticides or herbicides in the vineyard and no additives in the winemaking process. The grapes are fermented using only the naturally occurring yeasts.
The vineyards which Dominique tends so carefully lie in an old glacial valley where the rocks were ground down by the constantly moving ice to form iron-rich soils (the name of one of his cuvees is Le Feu).
Domaine Belluard Vin de Savoie AOP Ayze Mont-Blanc Methode Traditionnelle Brut-Zero 2019
A lovely sparkling wine made by Dominique Belluard before his untimely death, from 100% Gringet, a traditional grape of the Savoie region and nominated as a grape for sparkling and still wines in the Vin de Savoie Ayze appellation.
It displays both finesse and minerality and can be drunk as an aperitif or throughout a meal and even with dessert if required. It is a fine sparkling wine. This wine is matured for longer than the standard Brut.
Here is what Tim Gagnon from Chambers Street Wines in New York had to say about this lovely wine:
Made from Gringet grown at 450m in elevation, this is serious stuff. It spends three years on the lees which results in a rich and textured wine, with delicate aromatics. Orange blossom, pear skin, and granny smith apple rise from the glass, while the palate is much more mineral. It is quite powerful, and would give any Champagne a run for the money in terms of complexity.
RRP: $137