Ep 408: Beaumes de Venise - the Historic, High Elevation Cru of the Southern Côtes du Rhône, The Producers' Perspective

In educational partnership with Beaumes de Venise is a small, beautiful village located in the southern Rhône Valley. It has a great history of quality and recognition for both its red wines, which are classified under the Côtes de Rhône Beaumes de Venise Cru, and its famed Muscat de Beaumes de Venise Cru, a vin doux naturel wine which is known for its exquisite flavors, elegance, and unrivaled balance. In this episode, we explore this historic region that has been making wine for more than 2600 years - the terroir, climate, wines, grapes, and where the name comes from as well (hint: not from a place with many waterways in Italy!). Photo courtesy of Beaumes de Venise Getting a firsthand account from the experts who work in the region every day is the best way to learn so for this show we have two ambassadors for Beaumes de Venise, Claude Chabran of the high-quality Rhonéa co-operative, and Florence Cartier of the family-owned estate Domaine les Goubert.  Each has a unique perspective and shares fascinating information about the realities of making wine – both red and vin doux naturel -- in this marvelous region, which is really unlike any other in the Rhône.   Photo: Claude Chabran of the high-quality Rhonéa co-operative, right     In this show you’ll learn about: Where Beaumes de Venise is located within the southern Côtes du Rhône, the size of the region and the importance of the unbelievable geological structures of the Dentelles de Montmirail   The terroir including the high elevation and steep slopes, the importance of the orientation of the slopes, proximity to other well-known cru, and the distinct soil types that affect the flavor of the grapes and how they are farmed   The trends toward organic farming in Beaumes de Venise Photo: Florence Cartier of the family-owned estate Domaine les Goubert The historical significance of Beaumes de Venise wine   The Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre that grow here and how each reacts to different conditions, as well as some of the blending grapes that play a big part here (Florence mentions Cinsault as a favorite!).   We discuss the flavor profile of red Beaumes de Venise Cru and how its freshness and bright fruit make it stand out among the crus of the Côtes du Rhône   The Muscat de Beaumes de Venise appellation -- how is it made, what makes it special, and why it continues to have the reputation as the finest Muscat-based vin doux naturel Claude Chabran tell us about the collegial structure of the Rhonéa cooperative, how they ensure quality, and the innovations they have pursued for their small growers   We end with information about what food pairings that work well with both the red Beaumes de Venise Cru and the Muscat de Beaumes de Venise appellation (don’t forget spicy food for Muscat!) and how best to visit this lovely, historic region.     Thank you to the appellations of Beaumes de Venise for the educational partnership and financial support for this show and for teaching us about this appellation, full of history, excellent wine, and passionate producers!   For more information please visit the Beaumes de Venise site.  This podcast and post are part of a paid partnership with AOC Beaumes de Venise.