Bretaudeau Domaine de Bellevue 'Ornate' Merlot Rouge 2023

Bretaudeau Domaine de Bellevue 'Ornate' Merlot Rouge 2023

Bretaudeau Domaine de Bellevue “Ornaté” Merlot Rouge 2023 is a biodynamic, single‑varietal Merlot from the Loire (Vin de France), showing a vibrant, mineral and finely textured take on this grape rather than a heavy, Bordelais style.

Critic tasting note: (2023 vintage)

"A superb, succulent and agile merlot from the Loire. The nose offers notes of red currants, forest berries, pebbles, wild herbs and dried flowers. Medium-bodied with bright acidity. Vivid and racy, with brightness and minerality at the center. It’s refined, velvety and vibrant, with a long, savory finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold." - James Suckling

Terroir and viticulture

The fruit comes from 100% Merlot vines averaging about 20 years of age, planted on gabbro‑ and gneiss‑rich soils around Gétigné in the Pays Nantais, Loire Valley. The estate is certified organic and biodynamic, with low yields and careful hand‑work in the vineyard, aiming for ripe but fresh fruit and strong terroir expression.

Winemaking

Ornaté is fermented with indigenous yeasts and made in a low‑intervention style typical of Jérôme Bretaudeau, with a focus on preserving fruit purity and tension. Aging is carried out in a mix of inert and/or neutral vessels (details vary by source and vintage), keeping oak influence subtle so that the wine’s mineral and herbal nuances remain at the forefront.

Tasting profile

Tasting descriptions for Ornaté (including 2023) mention a bright ruby color. The nose shows vibrant red‑currant and forest‑berry fruit, plum and violet, alongside flinty mineral tones and wild herbal notes. On the palate it is smooth and agile, with silky tannins, juicy red and dark fruits, lively acidity and a pronounced stony, saline minerality that balances the fruit intensity and carries through a long, fresh finish.

Character and food pairing

Commentators describe Ornaté as a succulent, energetic Loire Merlot that is both approachable and intellectually engaging, far from over‑extracted or oaky styles. It pairs well with roast chicken, pork, grilled lamb chops, charcuterie, and herb‑driven vegetable dishes, where its mix of bright fruit, herbs and minerality can really shine.