Clos Bellane Valréas Les Échalas Blanc Clos Bellane 2021
Waarom het het proberen waard is
From the northern enclave of Valréas in the southern Rhône comes this distinctive white blend. The name "Les Échalas" refers to the traditional wooden stakes used to support vines, honoring old winemaking methods. Rich and textured with stone fruit, white flowers and herbal notes characteristic of the region, it offers southern Rhône complexity in white form. Fuller-bodied than typical Rhône whites, it stands up beautifully to richer dishes while maintaining refreshing minerality. A hidden gem for white Rhône enthusiasts.
Clos Bellane
Valréas Family Estate Crafting Organic Rhône Character
Founded in 1992 by Jean-Pierre and Regine Chastan, Clos Bellane farms 30 hectares organically in Valréas' unique terroir. This husband-and-wife team focuses on traditional methods, hand-harvesting, and patient aging to produce wines that reflect their enclave's personality with authenticity, depth, and Mediterranean warmth.
Their Côtes du Rhône wines are generous and spicy—Grenache-Syrah blends with ripe fruit, garrigue herbs, and silky tannins. Organic farming and minimal intervention allow the terroir to speak, creating wines that balance power with elegance, perfect for sharing around the table.
WINE REGION
Valréas: The Rhône's Papal Enclave of Character
A unique commune within the southern Rhône Valley, Valréas is actually surrounded by the Vaucluse department, forming a "papal enclave." This historic wine village produces robust Côtes du Rhône wines across approximately 1,400 hectares, combining traditional winemaking with modern terroir-focused approaches.
Dominated by Grenache-based reds blended with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan, producing generous, spicy wines with ripe fruit and herbal notes. The region also makes small quantities of rosé and white Côtes du Rhône, emphasizing Mediterranean warmth and structure.
Clay-limestone soils with scattered galets (round stones) retain heat and encourage ripeness. The Mediterranean climate brings hot, dry summers moderated by the Mistral wind, which keeps vineyards healthy. Elevations up to 400 meters provide freshness and aromatic complexity.