In 2019, after gaining experience with renowned winemakers such as Château de Mérande and Dominique Belluard, Yann Pernuit decided to establish his own estate.
Starting from scratch, he drew inspiration from the names of his wife and daughters to create Les Vins de Belema. From one vine stock to the next, the estate came to life. From the very beginning, he embraced the principles he holds dear: biodynamic viticulture, a preference for natural wines, and a low-intervention approach in the winery to preserve the vines’ true origins?–?the soil.
Today, he has planted three hectares of vines, and also runs a small wine merchant business, purchasing grapes from favourite winegrowers. Yann Pernuit opted for this Ayze terroir to plant the grape varieties that have earned the village its reputation, in particular Gringet, a native of Ayze. He also cultivates Etraire de la Dui, a variety that withstands most diseases and is rare today, with the Belema winemaker being the only one to cultivate it in Haute-Savoie department. Barely 10 hectares of it are planted in the Isère department. Yann Pernuit’s estate is a true reflection of his personal philosophy, offering wines that are in perfect harmony with nature’s gifts.

Gringet is an ancient grape variety from the Arve Valley in Haute-Savoie, related to Savagnin. The small yellow-skinned bunches, almost golden when ripe, are renowned for producing light, lively, floral wines. Each parcel of vines is cultivated entirely according to organic methods. In the winery and in the vineyard, weedkillers and chemical inputs are banned. Once harvested, the Gringet grapes are vinified in amphorae or concrete eggs with minimum amounts of sulphur to allow the characteristics of the terroir to take centre stage.
The bouquet of this 100% Gringet delivers a breath of freshness typical of this Alpine terroir along with complex, ripe fruit flavours. The clean, fleshy palate is complemented by a delightful minerality culminating in a flavoursome and persistent finish. This cuvée can easily be cellared for up to ten years.