SOME HISTORY

The Bellet vineyard is certainly one of France's oldest, and its planting dates from the times of Marseilles founding.
The beginning of the nineteenth century was the start of the most prosperous time for the vineyard since it covered more than two thousand acres. Threatened by many curses, the courage of wine growers prevented it from disappering. Their obstinacy was rewarded, since the Bellet vineyard has obtained the classification "Appellation d'origine contrôlé" (guaranteedvintage) in 1941.
Made of several family farming, the Bellet hills count twenty or so wine growers, sensitive to the cult of tradition and quality.
Today, the Bellet vineyard is world famous. Appreciated by King Louis XIV, it was recently enjoyed by heads of states, in 1981, attending the Versailles'summit.
It now proves its worth on the best tables.

THE SOILS

The classification covers 700 hectares.
Location: On the hillsides of the last spurs of the Alps, 200 to 300 meters high, located within the limits of the city of Nice, in the subdivision of the maritime alps.
In the heart of mediterranean area, this vineyard takes benefits of a full sunshine
(around 27000 hours per year), light rains (838mm per year) and of a special microclimate, caused by its location and the winds (mistral and tramontane), blowing continuously in the valley.
This climate allows a slow maturation, essential for the freshness and for the elegance of white and ros=E9 wines.
The vines roots themselves in small planks, called "Restanques", made of stones melted with light coloured sand (Poudinge) and with some clayey veins. All these excellent conditions favors the expression and full maturation of the grapes, in the harmony of the red wines.

THE VINES

The decree of the classification, modified in 1961, now allows different vines.

THE WHITE WINES

The Rolle :This vine is typically from Nice. It is the essential vine for the white wines of the classification (80 to 90 per cent).
The Chardonnais.

RED WINES AND ROSES

Nowadays, four vines are used:

LES PRINCIPAUX
Two old local vines existing only in Bellet.
- LA FOLLE NOIRE : (the crazy black, named so due to its capricious yeld, from one year to the other)
- LE BRAQUET: (which is also the name of an old soil family)
THE SECONDARY VINES
Two mediterranean vines:
- The Grenache.
- The Cinsault.

THE VINTAGES

By the end of September, the grapes are manually collected. The poor yeld, due to the selection of grapes and to the lie of the land, never reaches the allowed 40 hectoliter per hectare.
Gustative quality of the wines of Bellet

THE WHITE WINES
They have a deep, sparkling colour that does not tarnish with the times. Characterized by pear and white flowers taste, along with light touch of gun flint, these roppy wines age perfectly and can turn into exceptional wines, with grilled almonds flavors, and a surprising long lasting taste.
THE ROSES
Characterized by the BRAQUET, they have soft tones, with some golden gleams. Their delicate bouquet, wild and dog roses dominance, melts harmoniously with the smoothness and fineness of these= full-flavored and easy-drinking wines. They represent the best of french wines. Caractérisés par le BRAQUET, ils ont de jolies teintes douces, avec de tendres reflets dorés. Leur bouquet délicat à dominante de rose sauvage et d'églantine se fond harmonieusement avec la souplesse et la finesse de ces vins saveux et goulayants. Ils représentent le fleuron des vins Français.
THE RED WINES
Light robe, tones of ruby and elegant gleams of amber: the Braquet and the Folle noire give them strong wild roses aroma, along with touhes of spices and peeper, even of pine forest, if they grew up in forests. Of a rare fineness, they age very well, with bouquets of varied candied fruits tastes. Forming excellent wines one can keep, they are worthy of the best wines.

ADVICES FOR SERVICE AND TASTING

THE WHITE WINES
Dry and fruity, they can be served cool but not chilled, for aperitif or along with fishes or sea-food.
THE ROSES
Summer and sunny wines, they can be served at a temperature of 10 degrees celsius. They will get along fine with mediterranean, exotic and from Nice cuisine.
THE RED WINES
They can be served cool (between 15 and 16^oC) when they are young, and at room temperature when mature. They get along fine with red meat, delicatessen, cheeses, as well as with spicy recipes from local cuisine.