Belema: A Savoyard Winemaker’s Passion for Nature

You have to check out Domaine Belema! Yann Pernuit's natural wines reflect his deep love for Savoie and its unique terroir. It's a must-try!

Unveiling the Essence of Savoie

As I delved into the world of Savoie wines, I stumbled upon Domaine Belema, a gem that beautifully encapsulates the region’s spirit. This isn’t just another vineyard; it’s the brainchild of Yann Pernuit, who embodies a fresh wave of winemaking philosophy. Born and raised in Savoie, Yann has made it his mission to showcase the region’s potential through organic and biodynamic practices. It’s fascinating how he connects with the land, planting vines where others might prefer luxury chalets. His journey ignites curiosity—what drives him?

A Personal Journey Through Biodynamics

Yann’s story begins with his training alongside renowned figures like André and Daniel Genoux at Château de Mérande. He embraced biodynamic viticulture early on, which emphasizes working with nature rather than against it. This method isn’t merely a commercial strategy for Yann; it reflects his belief in nurturing the land for authentic grape expression.

I recall my first taste of his biodynamic white, where every sip revealed layers of complexity, showcasing not just the grape but its place in Savoie’s terroir. The attention to detail in the vineyards is palpable.

The Birth of Domaine Belema

In 2019, Yann launched Domaine Belema—a name derived from his family—marking a deeply personal venture into winemaking. He faced significant challenges from land pressures but remained undeterred. His ambition? To cultivate unique varieties like Gringet and Mondeuse, focusing on indigenous grapes that reflect their surroundings.

This personal touch resonates throughout his wines. When I tried his Altesse Epsilon Virginis, I was transported to the sun-drenched slopes of Savoie, bursting with citrus notes.

Crafting an Ecosystem: Respecting Tradition and Nature

What struck me about Yann is his commitment to creating a holistic ecosystem around Domaine Belema. His approach emphasizes minimal intervention in both vineyard and winery. Instead of flashy certifications, he prioritizes quality over labels—an ethos that mirrors his philosophy on wine production.

As someone who often seeks organic wines, I found comfort knowing that each bottle respects its heritage without unnecessary embellishments. In fact, during our conversation, he mentioned how important it is to him not to alter the essence of the grapes through excessive processing.

Exploring Unique Grape Varieties

One exciting aspect of Yann’s work is his use of lesser-known varieties like Étraire de Dui—a grape you won’t find on most lists but one that speaks volumes about Savoie’s biodiversity. It’s robust against disease and offers intriguing flavors yet remains underappreciated in official appellations.

Yann passionately shared insights about this variety being vital for adapting to climate changes—a true testament to forward-thinking viticulture.

Winemaking Philosophy: Keeping It Natural

In the cellar, Yann adopts a natural approach: using only indigenous yeasts and avoiding filtration or fining processes ensures purity in flavor. His choice to ferment in amphorae rather than traditional oak barrels speaks volumes about his respect for tradition while embracing innovation.

I remember tasting one of his amphora-aged reds; it had this incredible depth while remaining clean and expressive—truly memorable!

Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright at Belema

As we wrapped up our conversation, Yann expressed hope for expanding Domaine Belema—especially if one of his daughters chooses to continue this beautiful legacy. It paints a picture not just of winemaking but also family ties deeply rooted in nature.

For anyone intrigued by wines that tell a story—wines crafted with passion and respect for their origins—Domaine Belema should be on your radar. Their recent recognition in the RVF guide as one of the new vignerons to watch only solidifies this sentiment.

FAQ about Domaine Belema Wines

What makes Domaine Belema special?

Domaine Belema stands out due to its commitment to biodynamic practices and showcasing indigenous grape varieties native to Savoie.

Are there any unique grape varieties used at Domaine Belema?

Yes! They use lesser-known varieties like Étraire de Dui alongside traditional ones such as Mondeuse and Gringet.

Photo by Vincent van Zalinge on Unsplash