Region: Beaumes-de-Venise, Rhone, France
Varietal: 50% Grenache, 50% Syrah
Tasting Notes: The result of this fresh-fruited blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah is a rich bodied wine that is simultaneously airy. Aromas of violets and tar accent ripe plum and dark cherry on the tongue. Lithe tannins and a renewing mineral crush linger on the finish. This wine should drink at peak through 2026 at least.
Dark and intense color. The brightness of ruby. Nose of undergrowth, humus, mushrooms. Violet, blackcurrant, blueberry, it is little to say that the aromatic palette is wide. The mouth is tense, dense, indomitable. One finds with pleasure the multiple aromas that one had smelled. A structure with marked tannins but of great finesse; a wild wine, but for those who will know how to wait a good two hours in a carafe and serve it around 16°C, the delight will be there!-winemaker
Pairing: Duck confit, foie gras, rich sauces made with seasonal mushrooms, and spicy vegetable or lamb tagine are wonderful choices to join this bottle on the table. Try this Lamb Tagine by Melissa Clark. The dish takes some invested time, so perhaps choose a lazy Sunday to prepare.
About: Beaumes-de-Venise is an appellation specifically for red wine from the parish of Beaumes-de-Venise in the southern Rhône Valley, France. The village of Beaumes-de-Venise lies to the east of the town of Orange, just a short distance from the Rhône river. It is within walking distance of Vacqueyras, whose red wines have gained significantly in prestige in recent years.
The climate here is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers bringing excellent ripening potential to the local vines. The finest vineyards are found on hill slopes with a south and southeast facing aspect.
These locations enjoy excellent exposure to sunlight throughout the morning and early afternoon, but are protected from the harsher heat of late afternoon. Summer afternoons in the southern Rhône can be stiflingly hot. The area's warm temperatures and plentiful sunshine bring the grapes to full phenolic ripeness, making for powerful, aromatic wines.
Located north-east of the town of Beaumes de Venise, at an altitude of nearly 300 metres, Bel Air has a marl and clay-limestone soil between 100 and 140 million years old, with white parent rock. The vines grow mainly on terraces that receive maximum sun exposure.
“In 2015 two historic co-operatives, the Vignerons de Caractère in Vacqueyras and the Vignerons de Balma Venitia in Beaumes-de-Venise united to form Rhonéa. They have carried the wines from Vignerons de Caractère for many years, and have always appreciated the extraordinary quality and value they offer. While Rhonéa farms about 2800 acres, that total divided among their 236 vignerons works out to less than 12 acres per person. In addition to making wonderful cuvées, Rhonéa bottles the best growers’ wines under their domaine names.” -Ideal Wine & Spirits
