Description
Stéphane Ogier’s La Belle Hélène is an exceptional Côte-Rôtie: dense, intense and complex. The grapes come from ‘Serine’, an old Syrah variety grown on the Côte Rozier, one of the estate’s oldest vineyards, planted in 1958. Whole-bunch vinification, indigenous yeasts, yield of 35 hectolitres per hectare, aged for 20 months in new French oak barrels. On the palate: black fruits, a peppery edge with balsamic notes. The oak, subtle and well-integrated, adds complexity without overpowering the fruit. The palate is dense with a compact structure. This firm yet not harsh wine is just beginning to reveal its potential.
The estate
It was in 1997 that Stéphane Ogier joined the family estate, which has been rooted in the hillsides of Ampuis for seven generations. Upon taking over from his father Michel, he chose to work meticulously on his various terroirs in order to reveal the unique character of these places steeped in history.
Over the years, the estate has expanded beyond the village boundaries, driven by a desire to discover and enhance new terroirs. From his experience in Burgundy, Stéphane Ogier retains a taste for elegance and finesse, which has become a hallmark of his wines. Each year, the winemaker takes care to vinify the plots separately, to bring out the best of their potential. The blends are adjusted according to the vintages, each telling a story of its own.
What to eat with Stéphane Ogier’s Côte-Rôtie La Belle Hélène?
- duck breast with porcini mushrooms
- hare à la royale
- Provençal-style leg of lamb
