Nicolas Potel is the owner of Domaine de Bellene, an estate farming 22 hectares of old vines across the Côte d’Or. Like many in Burgundy, he is also a négociant, releasing wines under the Roche de Bellene label.
Nicolas’s father, Gérard Potel, was part owner and manager/winemaker for Domaine de la Pousse d’Or in Volnay. He was a leading figure in Burgundy, and many of the négociant relationships Nicolas has with growers today were forged in his father’s era. But it’s been a story of many twists and turns for Nicolas Potel.
Domaine de la Pousse d’Or was sold on his father’s death in 1996, so Nicolas formed his own négociant business. Nicolas Potel wines hit the ground running, earning a stellar reputation over ensuing years. Needing investment, he formed a partnership with Cottin Frères, owners of Labouré-Roi. The relationship soured, and in 2009 Nicolas quit, leaving behind the rights to his own name. Since then, the Domaine de Bellene and Roche de Bellene have been his business. A few wines are still released under the Nicolas Potel brand, but have nothing to do with Nicolas Potel the man.
Nicolas does represent a new generation of French winemaker, having traveled extensively, making wine with Moss Wood, Mount Mary and Leeuwin Estate in Australia, Dehlinger in California, as well as Burgundy experience working at Roumier in Chambolle-Musigny. That’s quite a roll call of high end experience.
Tanners wine merchant carries various wines made by Potel, both négociant and domaine bottlings. This tasting of three wine features the 2021 vintage, which was severely affected by frost in the spring, which resulted in historically low yields.
All are Vieilles Vignes, or old vines, in this case between 30 and 70 years old. At time of writing the wines are available from Tanners and through other fine wine merchants.