Chat with Vinny
Welcome back to ‘Tips from the Tasting Room’. This is your go-to source for expert tips and tasting notes. Our third wine is a unique Provence white, Roche Bellemont Blanc, chosen by Meera.
Provence … whites?
When you think Provence, rosé likely comes to mind – and for good reason. Provence truly sets the bar for quality rosé. Warm sunshine and cooling Mediterranean breezes encourage those elegant flavours that make Provence pinks extra special. In fact, rosé accounts for over 80% of this region’s wine production.
So, the reds and whites of Provence tend to go under-the-radar. But they shouldn’t. Despite being much in such small quantities, they’re equally as exceptional and deserve to stand in their own right.
Among these hidden gems is Roche Bellemont Blanc, a remarkable white wine that embodies the elegance and freshness of the region.
A rare find
Provence whites are incredibly rare. They’re little-known outside of the region, let alone France. That’s because precious little is made – only 3% of the region’s wine production comes from white wine.
And the locals love it. No surprise there … especially as “Provence’s finest white wines are one of France’s wine secrets” (Decanter). So, prising any away is nigh-on impossible. Especially when it’s as good as Roche Bellemont.
However, because you snap up the cellar’s rosé year after year, we have exclusive access to their exquisite white, Roche Bellemont Blanc – when it’s available. It’s crafted from Vermentino and Grenache Blanc, local white grapes of exceptional quality.
Behind the wine
Roche Bellemont Blanc is made in the tiny hamlet of Granettes, just outside of the historic southern French city of Aix-en-Provence. It was once famous as the home of neoclassical painter François Maurius Granet … but since 1925, it’s the classic wines from local cellars that have been putting Granettes on the map.
Winemaker Mathieu Le Croix uses only hand-picked grapes, selecting the best of the vintage for this white. He has used Vermentino (known locally as Rolle) the star white grape of Provence.
Tasting notes
Roche Bellemont Blanc is bright and light in the glass, with aromas of white peach, blossom, almond and lemon zest. On the palate, you’ll find subtle stone fruit flavours, mineral notes and a perfect balance of richness and freshness.
Serving recommendations
To enjoy this exceptionally smart white at its best, serve chilled, between 9 and 11°C. Then, when you’re ready to drink, pour into a glass with a narrow top to best appreciate its delicate aromas.
For Provence fans, this rare white is a superb alternative to rosé. And if you enjoy classics like Gavi or Albariño, or great Sauvignon from New Zealand or Sancerre, I think you’ll love this exceptionally smart white.
Enjoy it in good company, alongside seafood, and let the flavours transport you to the sun-drenched vineyards of southern France.
About the author
Brogan Wilson
Qualified to WSET Level 2 Wine, Brogan is a relatively new member of the team, having joined in September 2023. She previously worked as the sole copywriter at a creative marketing agency, and before that, as a primary school teacher. At Laithwaites HQ, you’ll find her growing her knowledge, asking lots of questions, and crafting both digital and print copy. An ardent red wine drinker, Brogan is also fond of Crémant.
