Since 1945, the sweet Muscat of Beaumes-de-Venise has been classified as an AOC Cru Vin Doux Naturel (Natural Sweet Wine). It’s an opportunity to rediscover the freshest of Muscats and the breathtaking landscapes where it grows, in the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Some history
With the Beaumes-de-Venise natural sweet wine officially awarded AOC Cru status back in 1945, it’s safe to say that the wines of Beaumes-de-Venise are certainly not newcomers!
The Muscat à Petits Grains grape variety has grown between olive and apricot trees on the steep slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail for centuries. It produces a slightly sweet and incredibly fragrant wine that quickly became popular with the locals and world leaders alike. Pliny the elder praised the wine’s merits, the Avignon popes produced their own to accompany their banquets, and it was even served at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953! And although sweet wines are less popular today, Beaumes-de-Venise is still a fan-favourite in cocktail bars.
What is a Beaumes-de-Venise?
You won’t find any added sugar in the wines of Beaumes-de-Venise. The wine-making process begins much like that of any wine. However, while the juice is in the vats, the fermentation process is halted by the addition of pure alcohol. This stops the natural sugar in the grapes fully converting into alcohol and ensures the wine remains sweet and incredibly fresh, with sublime notes of lychee and rose.
A few ideas to discover its terroir
If you wish to know more about these wines and the extraordinary locations where they are produced, the winegrowers have plenty of ideas for you! We’ve selected a few:
– Take a stroll along a sign-posted path in the vineyards before settling down with a country picnic (ordered in advance, fully organic) and enjoying the breathtaking views of the Dentelles at Ferme St Martin in Suzette www.fermesaintmartin.com
– Meet Richard, a generous and passionate winemaker, and enjoy his organic wine at this guesthouse with an exceptional view www.demoiselle-suzette.fr
– In the summertime, take part in the “Nouba dans les Dentelles” evenings at the Domaine de Coyeux, featuring wine tasting, meals, a DJ and a fantastic view. www.domainedecoyeux.com
– Spend the night in a wine barrel-shaped holiday rental at Mas l’Evajade www.evajade.fr
A year of celebrations
An entire programme of festivities has been planned to mark not only the 80th anniversary of the Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AC, but also the 20th anniversary of the Beaumes-de-Venise Red AC (2005),100 years in total!
Practical information
Contact AOC Beaumes-de-Venise : Eloïse
aocbeaumesdevenise@wanadoo.fr
https://www.beaumesdevenise-aoc.fr/cest-nos-anniversaires/
©Inter Rhône (T. O’Brien / S. Chapuis) / ©V-Gillet