Beaumes de Venise
Beaumes de Venise red wines only became part of AOC Cotes-de-Rhone villages in 1978. It was not until 2005 that it gained its own appellation AOC of Beaumes de Venise, so it is a relative newcomer. This is good for the customer as it is a wine of the similar quality to Gigondas but does not command the same price. The first mention of the wine is from 1248 when St. Louis took some on his 7th crusade. In the 14th century production was much increased to cater for the demand of the Popes who resided at the time in Avignon.
The region comprises 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. It totals 541 hectares, 5.41 square km, 2 square miles.
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.
Click on the photo for a full size photo.
The form of the bottle is similar to the Gigondas bottle with the coat of arms.
The front label shows that it is a Beaumes-de-Venise and Dom Venitia.
Which is Syrah on Miocene sands (roundness, suppleness), Grenache on clays located high up, in the foothills of the village of Lafare.
This is the label on the back of the bottle
The back label gives base information like the year 2019 and the alcohol level of 15%. Interestingly there is no website link but there is a QR code to the website
It also displays Rhonea which is a collective of some 300 producers based in Beaumes de Venise formed in 1925.
Another Beaumes de Venise
Similar form to the bottle with the coat of arms
Front Label
The front label shows that it is a Beaumes-de-Venise and Terre de Trias and the year 2017 This is 79% Grenache Noir, at least 21% Syrah and Mourvèdre, 40-year-old vines, 300 M altitude, Cargneule terroir, clay & gypsum dating back more than 230M years (Triassic Period) give the soil its characteristic red ochre hue and ensures a regular supply of water, especially during the dry period. Manual harvest at optimum maturity. Long time fermentation in a large vat of 22 days at controlled temperature (26/27°C). Pumping circulation 4 times a day during the start of fermentation then regular pumping over, aging in 280 litre casks for 12 months.
It also displays Rhonea which is a collective of some 300 producers based in Beaumes de Venise formed in 1925.
back label
The back label gives base information like the alcohol level of 15%, grape varieties (Grenache, Syrah, Morvedre), wine character (Warm, powerful and suffused with subtle aromas of garrigue[Mediterranean scrubland], black fruits and spices). This is in both French and English. Interestingly there is no website link but there is a QR code to the website