Domaine de Bellene is a 24-hectare (59 acre) estate, with parcels in the villages of Beaune, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Saint-Roman, Santenay, Savigny-les-Beaune, Volnay and Vosne-Roman?e. Their focus is on expressive, terroir-driven wines from old vines (35-100+ years old). Domaine de Bellene has what they call a ?global? approach to winemaking ? one that respects the environment and the terroir. As such, their vineyards have been farmed according to biodynamic practices since 2006 and are now certified BIO. Furthermore, vinification is minimalist in approach ? no enzymes, cultured yeasts, chaptalization, or acid adjustments are used, and filtration is avoided. Nicolas Potel purchased the 16th century estate buildings in 2005 and is working to renovate them in as green a manner as possible, ensuring that environmental responsibility is being integrated into all aspects of the estate. The buildings, vineyards, cellar work, energy sources, production, packaging materials, and even the pain...
