Vinsobres Saint Jacques 2021 Clos Bellane

The Vinsobres Saint Jacques 2021 from Clos Bellane is one of the finest cuvées from this benchmark domaine planted at 410 metres altitude facing Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail. Crafted on the Saint Jacques slope, swept by Alpine winds, this wine marries the power of dark fruits and oriental spice with remarkable mineral freshness. A Vinsobres of genuine complexity, saline tension and persistence that sets it apart immediately from the riper, more jammy expressions of this appellation.

Terroir and vines

The 5 hectares of Clos Bellane in Saint Jacques are planted on Miocene marls mixed with Pliocene stones, conglomerates from Alpine torrents, a bedrock of remarkable geological complexity and mineral richness. This slope position at 410 metres altitude creates an exceptionally cool microclimate for Vinsobres: fresh Alpine winds traverse this sector constantly, preserving the natural acidity of the grapes and tempering the generosity of Mediterranean sun. This mineral, dark fruit and spice trinity is the absolute signature of this lieu-dit. The blend comprises 65% Grenache aged 60 years and 35% Syrah aged 40 years, farmed in certified organic agriculture since 2014, with a soil cover of rye, vetch and fava bean. Yields are naturally low, producing grapes full of sun yet always fresh and balanced. Vinification aims to extract juice without aggression. Ageing takes place in concrete tanks for 12 months, without wood, to preserve all the mineral purity of terroir.

Tasting profile

The robe is purple with intense violet reflections, revealing remarkable natural maturity and concentration. The nose is complex and captivating: dark fruit aromas, olives and oriental spice assert themselves with immediate depth and precision. On the retro-olfaction, these aromas are lifted by graphite notes and a delicate floral echo that add dimension and unexpected elegance for a wine of this power. On the palate, richness and generous texture balance with lively freshness and marked salinity that subtly dominates the natural sweetness of Grenache. The tannin grain manifests on the attack and remains underlying, bringing linear structure and persistence. The finish is long, stable and refreshing, with remarkable persistence and appetite appeal. A wine concentrated and harmonious, never heavy.

The domaine

Stéphane Vedeau acquired Clos Bellane in 2010, a single 60-hectare property of which 48 are planted to vine, facing Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail, with exceptional panorama and semi-buried cellars suited to patient, precise ageing. Certified organic since 2014, the domaine also houses a truffle plantation and 120 hives, witnessing commitment to biodiversity and ecological balance. Clos Bellane produces 17 different cuvées, each expressing the singularity of its parcels and varieties.

Food pairings

This Vinsobres Saint Jacques pairs beautifully with homemade long-simmered Bolognaise, grilled Kobe ribeye, duck with olives, leg of lamb with garrigue herbs, Provençal daube or a board of aged cheeses such as Pélardon or sheep's milk Ossau-Iraty. Serve between 15 and 17 °C with an hour's decanting recommended in youth to reveal the full mineral depth, Alpine salinity and fruity power of this exceptional terroir Vinsobres.