Ah, a red wine crafted from Folle Noire, the unsung hero of the Bellet appellation! Let me revise with this wonderful varietal in mind:
Vino di Giò from Clos Saint Vincent dances into your glass like a mysterious stranger at a Côte d’Azur soirée—dark, enigmatic, and utterly captivating. Made entirely from Folle Noire, this rare gem is like the James Dean of grape varieties: rebellious, full of character, and just a bit untamed.
On the nose, it’s a sensory explosion—think crushed blackberries, tart cherries, and wild raspberries, all interwoven with garrigue herbs, peppery spice, and a whiff of smoky Mediterranean shrubland. There’s a faint earthy musk too, like a forest floor after a dramatic rainstorm.
The palate is both lively and brooding, with Folle Noire’s trademark bright acidity keeping the wine vibrant while soft tannins gently envelope your taste buds. Expect flavors of black plum, cranberries, and a touch of black olive tapenade, all wrapped up in a subtle minerality that whispers tales of Bellet’s unique terroir. The finish is refreshing, lingering with a spicy kick and just enough rustic charm to remind you this wine is unapologetically of its place.
About Folle Noire
The variety is a natural crossing of Folle Blanche and Malbec and makes early-drinking wines that are light bodied and low in color with undistinguished flavors.
Known also as Jurançon Noir is a relatively rare French grape variety used to produce both red and rosé wines, primarily in southwestern France. It is cultivated in regions such as Lavilledieu, Estaing, and Entraygues-Le Fel. Interestingly, despite its name, Jurançon Noir is neither grown in the Jurançon wine region nor related to the white grape Jurançon Blanc.
Rosés made from Jurançon Noir are often crisp and fruity, showcasing its fresh and approachable character.
In Provence’s Bellet appellation, the grape is known as Folle Noire and is used in rosé production with a unique Franco-Italian flair and red wines.
Pair this wine with Provençal dishes—think ratatouille, grilled lamb with rosemary, and let it transport you to the sun-drenched terraces of southern France.
THE ESTATE
In the spring of 1993, the Sicardi and Sergi families acquired the Clos Saint Vincent estate, an ancient French vineyard that has held its Bellet AOC since 1941 in Nice. The revival of this estate has given it new impetus, starting with the extension of the vineyards (now covering 10 hectares) and the adaptation of production by giving priority to the production of quality grapes, cultivating the land organically and biodynamically. The wines of Clos St Vincent are a special feature of the wines of the South of France. In addition to its exposure, it benefits from the dual influence of the sea breeze and the fresh breeze from the southern Pre-Alps. The specificity of the site (its unique terroir made up of silicocalcareous soil with rolled pebbles from the piocene and poudingue), the choice of grape varieties (such as Rolle, Braquet, Folle Noire ).