Biography

After parting company with the business that bears his name, Nicolas now works under his own label Maison Roche de Bellene. One of his key skills apart from  winemaking is his ability to source very fine fruit to make the wines.  The majority of growers have followed Nicolas to this new venture.   We are confident that he will not disappoint and will continue to inspire us to discover new and exciting wines, which we believe offer good value for money.

 

Q & A

How did you get started in the wine trade?

I started in 1988 in Australia with Keith Mugford at Moss Wood in Margaret River. Then I worked with a lot of different growers in Burgundy, Australia and America. I began to really love the job when I worked with Thierry Matrot in Meursault.

 

What’s been your proudest achievement to date?

My 3 kids, my wedding and now my new Estate, Maison Roche de Bellene, 100% organic in Beaune.

 

Describe yourself in three words…

Consistant, passionate and good father.

 

What would you do if you weren’t in the wine trade? 

History teacher.

 

Provide a brief description of your vineyards?

I am very lucky to work with very old vines and to get great Terroir between Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits.

 

What is your winemaking philosophy?

To let nature work for me. To be closest to the product, and no use of oenological products.

 

What’s your most exciting grape variety?

Pinot Noir.

 

What do you consider to be your biggest challenge of winemaking?

Making great Pinot in Chile.

 

What’s the next step for Nicolas Potel wines?

Building an organic winery for Maison Roche de Bellene.

 

If you could own one wine property in the world what would it be?

Musigny.

 

Who has been your greatest influence in the wine trade?

My father.

 

What’s your favourite wine and who would you share it with?

Musigny from Christophe Roumier, with my friend, Montrachet with my wife.

 

Favourite places to relax away from the vineyard?

South of France and the Alpes.