France

Rich & Mineral

Nicolas Potel is an iconic producer in Burgundy. He grew up in a family dedicated entirely to wine; and after gaining some experience internationally, he started his own project in the late 90's.

Founded in 2009, Maison Roche de Bellene offers a complete range of wines, with an emphasis on individual terroirs from vieilles vignes (old vines - 40 years or older) that are farmed responsibly. All of the growers that Nicolas Potel works with are either organic certified or farming according to the principles of lutte raisonée (“sustainable viticulture”). This enables Potel to consistently produce the expressive, terroir-driven style that is his vision.

The Saint-Véran appellation lies in the south of the Mâconnais region and its soils are full of fossiliferous limestone from the Middle Jurassic. After the grapes are manually harvested they undergo native yeast fermentation in barrel as well as 100% malolactic fermentation. The wine is then aged in French oak casks, of which 10% is new. It sees no bâtonnage and only a light fining and filtration occurs before bottling. 

Aromatically the wine is a touch brighter, with more spring white flowers and salty sea air on the nose. The palate is crisp, with crunchy orchard fruits, mineral driven acidity, and a mid-palate creaminess which balances the flavours out. 

Lifted & Expressive

This product is offered online and at select LCBO locations for a limited time through Vintages Cellar Collection. For help locating stock, feel free to contact us at info@npwines.com.

Please note: This product requires a minimum lead time of two weeks prior to shipping when fulfilling orders through NPW.

Nicolas Potel is an iconic producer and pioneer in the Burgundy winemaking scene. He grew up in a family dedicated to wine; and after gaining some experience internationally, he started his own project in the late 90's. The Maison Roche de Bellene offers a complete range of carefully cultivated and versatile wines, often made from old vines. All of the Maison wines are made with respect to sustainable and natural farming practices, with as little intervention as necessary to showcase their individual terroirs.  

Crafted from a blend of Beaune Premier Cru vineyards - Les Aigrots, Les Bressandes, and Les Toussaints - this wine reflects Maison Roche de Bellene’s thoughtful selection from elevated sites in Beaune. The nose is lifted and expressive, with concentrated red berries layered with subtle herbs and fragrant florals. Bright, refreshing acidity gives energy to the ripe fruit, which eases into fine-grained tannins. Silky and elegant in texture, the wine carries through to a rich finish, where hints of woodland and smoke add depth and complexity.

Sip with mild cheeses, chicken or rabbit in a creamy mustard sauce or smoked game meats. 

Savoury & Earthy

This product is offered at select LCBO stores in Vintages for a limited time. For help locating stock, feel free to contact us at info@npwines.com.

Please note: This product requires a minimum lead time of two weeks prior to shipping when fulfilling orders through NPW.

Founded in 2005, Domaine de Bellene focuses on crafting wines from old vines with a commitment to sustainable, organic farming. Winemaker and proprietor Nicolas Potel's approach emphasizes producing wines that authentically reflect their origins and vintages, while preserving the land and culture for future generations. Under his leadership, Domaine de Bellene has earned respect among Burgundy enthusiasts, offering wines from both renowned and lesser-known appellations.

Planted in 1998 on a south-east facing hillside with shallow limestone soil, this vineyard has been organically farmed since its inclusion in the estate. The nose reveals ripe fruit notes with a subtle hint of port-like character, while the palate offers medium-weight and refined flavours, highlighted by pronounced minerality. The finish is dusty and firm, though exceptionally well-balanced - A wine for the cellar. 

Silky & Spiced

This product is offered at select LCBO stores in Vintages for a limited time. For help locating stock, feel free to contact us at info@npwines.com.

Please note: This product requires a minimum lead time of two weeks prior to shipping when fulfilling orders through NPW.

Founded in 2005, Domaine de Bellene focuses on crafting wines from old vines with a commitment to sustainable, organic farming. Winemaker and proprietor Nicolas Potel's approach emphasizes producing wines that authentically reflect their origins and vintages, while preserving the land and culture for future generations. Under his leadership, Domaine de Bellene has earned respect among Burgundy enthusiasts, offering wines from both renowned and lesser-known appellations.

Planted in 1937, this plot lies in the heart of Suchots, adjacent to Romanée-Saint-Vivant, and has been organically farmed since joining the estate, with the soil maintained through horse plowing and sustainable practices. The nose reveals ripe, menthol-tinged aromas of black cherry liqueur, spice, and delicate notes of lavender. On the palate, the rich, focused flavours offer a seductive, mouth-filling texture balanced by the wine's firm, acidic backbone. The finish is powerful, dusty, and long, delivering impressive length.

Rich & Tannic

Stéphane Aviron can be considered a pioneer is his approach to winemaking in Beaujolais, however he would just tell you that he’s simply returning to the traditional practices that have always made fantastic Gamay wines. Sustainable viticulture, extremely old vines and classic Burgundian techniques.

Fleurie is one of the top crus in Beaujolais producing wines of deep fruit and great structure. Stéphane Aviron’s Fleurie is sourced from a family owned hillside vineyard on the western side of the appellation, “La Mandone.” This famed vineyard features very steep slopes with granite soils that requires all work and harvesting to be done by hand. The vines here are very old, between 55 and 90 years in age.