Famous for its Muscat, Beaumes-de-Venise also produces, in a more discreet fashion, some famous dry red wines elevated to the rank of "Crus," distinguished by their freshness and smooth tannins. A success amplified by the Xavier Vignon expertise!
Its many caves, called "baumo" in the Provence dialect, have given their name to the village in the heart of the Comtat Venaissin region. Flanked by the Dentelles de Montmirail and the Mont Ventoux mountain range, Beaumes-de-Venise boasts high-altitude vineyards ideal for producing fresh, light-bodied red wines. Promoted to the rank of "Cru des Côtes du Rhône" in 2005, the 600-hectare vineyard is still primarily associated with the Muscat of the same name, which is produced on half of its territory and is available in white, of course, and more rarely in rosé (11%) and red (2%). However, this terroir is also ideal for producing well-balanced, delicately-expressed red wines from Syrah and Grenache Noir grapes and Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault.
Beyond the sheer beauty of its landscape, with its rocky mountains, wooded areas, and rolling valleys covered in lush Mediterranean foliage, what's most striking about the Beaumes de Venise vineyards is the geological complexity of this small piece of land. The vineyard clings to the southeastern slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail, a mountain range aligned with one of the most famous geological fractures: the Nîmes fault. The juxtaposition of very different soil types reveals three central geological units.
First, the Trias soils are yellow soils rich in gypsum and calcium sulfate, ideal for producing Grenache. As a result of a compression movement, these soils were brought to the surface in the heart of the mountain range, straightening the Jurassic limestone slabs that became the Dentelles. This geological phenomenon, which is unique in the Rhône Valley, is evident in the Suzette area, where some of the best red wines can be found. Here, you'll also find the highest altitude terroirs (up to 600 meters), offering freshness and aromatic finesse.
Alongside the Triassic soils, two other types of terroir stand out: the white limestone scree soils found mainly around La Roque Alric and the grey marls to the north of the Lafare village.
With their joyful, deep character, these carefully crafted red wines offer a feast of straightforward, fruity, and spicy flavors. It is, therefore, a matter of urgency, if not necessity, to seek out these lovely dry wines, which are the perfect year-round companions for grilled or stewed meats or tomato pie.
Xavier Vignon's muscat à petits grains (80% black muscat à petits grains and 20% white muscat à petits grains), macerated on grape marc, offers soft, comforting notes of prune and warm cherry, the perfect match for a chocolate dessert or marbled pastry.
As for the white, it offers delicious aromas of apricot and peach in a smooth, fresh palate that will accompany a poultry curry with mango or peach soup. Another approach to the South of France! And the rosé is a fresh, gourmet experience with notes of rose, fresh fruit, and lychee. The peach and apricot aromas on the palate are a perfect match for an aperitif, peach charlotte, or pistachio/raspberry macaroons.