2009 Christian Belleville ‘La Perche’ Rully AOC White Burgundy

Mission Codename: Perched Above The Rest

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Visit the Côte Chalonnaise commune of Rully and retrieve a delicious White Burgundy.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Domaine Christian Belleville

Wine Subject: 2009 ‘La Perche’ Rully AOC White Burgundy

Backgrounder: The village commune of Rully, the northernmost appellation in the Côte Chalonnaise. It is one of the best regions for delicious Chardonnay in the area and has an excellent reputation for flavorful and serious wines. The AOC was formally designated in 1939 and there are 23 Premier Crus but not one Grand Cru in the appellation.

The region is well known for its unique soil composition of white limey marl and calcic limestone, Jurassic gravel and rock and red clay. Also the vines grown in Rully are grown at an elevation of from 750 to 1100 feet above mean sea level.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – A beautiful pale straw yellow with the most subtle greenish tint though its brilliant core when tilted into the light. Pale to clear along the edges and when swirled clusters of fat legs cling to the side of the glass as the wine quickly settles.

Smell – Medium in intensity with bright aromas of both citrus and green tree and a touch of tropical fruit. Balanced notes of spice, vanilla toast and biscuit also linger just underneath the fruit.

Feel – This medium-to-full bodied dry white is very smooth and expansive with a very elegant and restrained creamy mouth feel. The acidity and minerality are in perfect balance with its softer alcohol component.

Taste – Tart citrus including grapefruit and orange with a lovely spice and toast component. Soft minerality, vanilla toast and soft creamy nuts linger with a touch of orange blossoms and its corresponding honey.

Finish – Extremely clean, long and fresh with lingering citrus fruit gently fading away leaving behind soft notes of its toasted biscuit, vanilla, spice and minerality that linger on the palate, softly drying the mouth and inviting another sip.

Conclusion – The 2009 Domaine Christian Belleville ‘La Perche’ Rully AOC White Burgundy is a wine of great finesse and elegance. Wonderfully balanced in every aspect with both fresh and creamy notes on the nose and palate. An exceptional wine to pair with food, especially aged cheeses. Drink now or for up to three to five years.

Mission Report:

Agent White has been reported as A.W.O.L. and it is believed he is stocking the wine cellar and hoarding bison steaks for the impending Apocalypse.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the the Rully commune south of Beaune and northwest of Chalon-sur-Saone can be seen in this satellite photo.