As this domain on the hillsides of Ampuis has been in the family for seven generations, it was perfectly natural for Stéphane Ogier to take over from his father Michel. Having learned his craft in Burgundy, he has decided to produce single parcel wines to achieve the best expression of each terroir. He also strives constantly for elegance and finesse. Today, the vines are planted on 27 hectares of granite and shale soil and cultivated sustainably. Tillage, organic treatments, no yeast and a short maceration process are the watchwords.

Belle Hélène is produced from 50-year-old Serine (an old variety of Syrah) vines planted in the Côte Rozier. The grapes undergo cold pre-fermentation maceration, punching down and pumping over. The wine is then matured for 30 months in new barrels. Stéphane Ogier has produced a dense, intense and complex wine that can be kept for many years. Served at room temperature, it makes the perfect accompaniment to a duck breast with porcini mushrooms.