Definition: Beaumes-de-Venise AOC

Pliny the Elder refers to it in his "Natural History". But it was in the 17th century that it became famous thanks to the importation of small-grain Muscat grapes, which are used to make Vin Doux Naturel (AOC since 1945). In recent decades, the lesser-known red and rosé wines have been gaining in reputation. Beaumes-de-Venise is the most recent of the Côtes du Rhône Villages, having been classified in 1979. The grape varieties authorised in the appellation are, for reds, Grenache Noir 65% maximum, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault 25% minimum, other grape varieties of the appellation allowed up to a maximum of 10%. For rosés, Grenache Noir must account for a maximum of 60%, followed by Camarèse (very rarely used), Cinsault minimum 15%, Carignan maximum 15%, and other permitted grape varieties maximum 10%. The red and rosé wines of Beaumes de Venise are little known, but have interesting characteristics, due in particular to the microclimate found in the appellation. For the record, the name Beaumes-de-Venise comes partly from Venisse, which means "belonging to the Comtat Venaissin", and partly from Balma, which means "cave" in Provençal. Muscat Beaumes de Venise (Vin Doux Naturel) is an AOC covering an area of 370 hectares.