Beaumes-de-Venise PDO

Beaumes-de-Venise, a great Rhône wine in the land of muscatel

The Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise has made this small village in the Vaucluse region famous throughout the world. Now, this Rhone appellation has an exceptional cru, a red AOC wine that owes its originality and complexity to its unique terroirs and the passion of a handful of winegrowers. The beaumes-de-venise AOC, affordable both in style and price, is a simple way to enter the Rhône Valley vineyards.

General presentation of the beaumes-de-venise

The AOC Beaumes-de-Venise is produced in the commune that gives its name to this red wine, as well as in the communes of Lafare, La Roque-d'Alric and Suzette. The vineyard is located in the Vaucluse, between the Dentelles de Montmirail and Ventoux, not far from Orange. It belongs to the Southern Rhône Valley and adjoins the no less prestigious Gigondas and Vacqueyras appellations.

Like these two famous neighbours, the Beaumes-de-Venise appellation has been part of the Crus du Rhône since 2005. Before this date, the wine was classified as a Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages. This consecration is the fruit of the work of passionate winegrowers who have known how to sublimate the richness of an exceptional terroir and climate.

Indeed, the Beaumes-de-Venise vineyard is distinguished by its geological complexity, inherited from a unique geographical situation. The Triassic soils, towards Suzette, situated at altitude, give rich, supple wines that can be kept for a long time. The white soils, around La Roque-d'Alric, are renowned for producing fine, fruity and aromatic wines. And the grey Jurassic soils, north of Lafare, offer wines with a powerful style.

Cultivated in terraces on the slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail, sheltered from the mistral, the vines are harvested by hand. Here, it is the black Grenache that gives all its complexity to Beaumes-de-Venise. This grape variety accounts for at least 50% of the wines, supplemented by syrah and, to a lesser extent, mourvèdre. Other grape varieties are authorised, such as Cinsault, Carignan and Counoise, at a maximum of 20%. Finally, for a touch of originality, white grape varieties such as Viognier may be used up to a maximum of 10%.

Characteristics of Beaumes-de-Venise

Beaumes-de-Venise AOC is distinguished by its strong identity. It has a ruby colour, which takes on purplish hues when the wine is still young. Stewed red fruits (cherry, blueberry, blackcurrant) mingle with notes of spices (pepper, clove), aromatic herbs and liquorice. With ageing, the wine can evoke truffles. Ample and fleshy, fresh and balanced, Beaumes-de-Venise expresses all the generosity and sunny side of the wines of the southern Rhône valley.

It can be kept between 1 and 5 years. But certain vintages offer a greater potential for ageing, sometimes up to 10 years.

How to enjoy a Beaumes-de-Venise

This red wine is best drunk at a temperature of about 16°C after decanting. It is a perfect accompaniment to poultry with character: lacquered duck, duck breast, capon, roast duckling, etc. Beaumes-de-Venise also goes well with roasted or simmered red and white meats. Exotic spicy dishes also go well with this elegant red wine: lamb with curry, tagine, duck with honey and spices, sweet and sour chicken...

A Beaumes-de-Venise can also be served as a dessert, especially with a pie or a chocolate cake. As for cheese, this red wine goes well with products with strong character, such as Maroilles or Roquefort.