Roche de Bellene, Maison
Summary
Maison Roche de Bellene is a Burgundian négociant founded in 2009 by Nicolas Potel, operating from Beaune and sourcing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from quality vineyards throughout the limestone-rich soils of Burgundy's key appellations. Potel's winemaking emphasizes minimal intervention and traditional Burgundian methods, with carefully calibrated oak aging and indigenous yeast fermentation that honors terroir expression while maintaining consistent quality across multiple tiers, from village wines to grand crus.
Heritage & Leadership
Maison Roche de Bellene was established in 2009 by Nicolas Potel in Beaune, the commercial heart of Burgundy. The name combines "Roche" (rock), symbolizing the limestone soils of Burgundy, with "Bellene," the Roman name for Beaune. Nicolas Potel, the founder and director, brings significant heritage to this négociant operation. As the son of Gérard Potel, the respected former manager of Domaine de la Pousse d'Or in Volnay, Nicolas grew up immersed in Burgundian winemaking traditions. After his father's passing in 1997, Nicolas began his independent career, working at several estates before founding this maison.
The company operates from its headquarters in Beaune, where a renovated 18th-century building houses both offices and cellars. This négociant business represents Potel's return to his roots after selling his previous négociant operation. Maison Roche de Bellene functions alongside Domaine de Bellene, Potel's separate estate wine project founded the same year. Under Potel's direction, the maison has developed relationships with growers across Burgundy's key appellations, from Chablis to the Côte Chalonnaise.
Vineyards & Wines
As a négociant, Maison Roche de Bellene does not own vineyards but instead sources grapes and wines from growers throughout Burgundy. The portfolio spans multiple appellations across the region, including village, premier cru, and grand cru sites. Potel works with growers in Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, and Côte Chalonnaise, focusing exclusively on Burgundy's traditional varieties: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The maison produces several distinct collections. The "Bellene" line features wines from younger vines, while the "Vieilles Vignes" collection showcases fruit from vines averaging 40-60 years old. The premium "Collection Bellenum" offers rare, mature Burgundies acquired from private cellars and re-released after additional aging. Specific vineyard sources vary by vintage, as Potel selects parcels based on quality and availability each year. The company maintains long-term relationships with growers who farm specific parcels in appellations including Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée, Meursault, and Puligny-Montrachet.
Philosophy & Practice
Nicolas Potel's approach at Maison Roche de Bellene emphasizes minimal intervention and respect for terroir expression. For red wines, the production process typically includes partial or complete destemming, depending on the vintage and vineyard. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled tanks with indigenous yeasts when possible. Maceration periods are adjusted based on the character of each wine, generally lasting 12-20 days. The wines age in French oak barrels, with new oak percentages carefully calibrated to the wine's structure—typically 10-30% for village wines, 25-50% for premier crus, and up to 60% for grand crus.
White wine production follows traditional Burgundian methods, with whole-cluster pressing and barrel fermentation. The maison practices minimal batonnage (lees stirring) to preserve freshness while developing texture. Potel prioritizes working with growers who farm sustainably, though the négociant model means certification status varies across the portfolio. In the cellar, sulfur additions are kept to practical minimums, and filtration is light or avoided when possible. This balanced approach reflects Potel's philosophy of creating wines that express their origins while maintaining consistency and quality across the extensive range.