Beaumes-de-Venise is a red cru des Côtes du Rhône from the Beaumes de Venise village, in the South Rhône region. The vinyard is surrounded by the communes of Beaumes de Venise, Lafare, Suzette, and La Roque-Alric, all in the department of Vaucluse, and is situated on the southeastern flank of the Dentelles de Montmirail at an altitude of 100 to 600 metres.
’Beaumes’ comes from the old word ’Balmes’, itself an evolution of the word ’Ad Balmas’ mentioned for the first time in 993 A.D., which means ’cave’, related to the caves digged under the village of Beaumes de Venise and in the hills around.
The mention of ’Venise’, if it seems appealing, doesn’t owe anything to the Italian town of Venise ; it is an evolution from ’Venisse’, that means ’from the Comtat Venaissin ’, which is probably the ’comitatus avecinnus’, the ’comtat of Avignon’.
Varieties that are blended to produce the red AOC are Grenache Noir min. 50%, Syrah 25%, Mourvèdre and other varieties permitted by the appellation to a maximum of 20% with 5% of white grapes. The blend of grapes gives a perfect balance between acidity, alcohol and tannins. The three main grapes (Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre) make a great wine, that age nicely and develop aromas of trufle. A bit of Cinsault gives finesse.
The minimum degree of alcohol is fixed at 12.5%
This red cru is elegant,ample, fruity. The nose is one of red and black fruit, with a little bit of spice. On the tongue it is structured, with silky tannins, finally peppery with an animal touch.
They shall be served at 16°C.
They fit well with casseroles, sauces, grilled or braised beef, game, fine cheeses.
