Ep 407: Beaumes de Venise - An Overview of the Stylish, Dual Appellation Region of the Côtes du Rhône

<p align="center">In Educational Partnership with</p> <p><a href="https://www.beaumesdevenise-aoc.fr/?lang=en" target= "_blank" rel="noopener"><img style= "display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/45638/logo_FR_150_dpi_petit_format.jpg" alt="" width="334" height="147" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.beaumesdevenise-aoc.fr/?lang=en">This show is all about the Beaumes de Venise AOC,</a> which is a double threat, making two distinctly different, yet equally stunning wine types, with a cru for each:</p> <ol> <li><a href="https://www.beaumesdevenise-aoc.fr/?lang=en">Beaumes de Venise</a> has been a <strong><em>red-only</em></strong> Cru of the Côtes du Rhône since 2005. It is a blended wine based on Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre. The production area is spread over four communes and stretches 680 ha or 1680 acres. The communes are Beaumes de Venise, Lafare, Suzette, and La Roque-Alric – all located in the Vaucluse Department.<br /> <br /></li> <li>Muscat de Beaumes de Venise has been a vin doux naturel appellation since 1945 (76 years!). It is smaller, expanding over just 314 ha or 776 acres. The wine has likely been made here since Roman times and it is insanely good! </li> </ol> <p> </p> <p><span style= "text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Climate</strong></span></p> <p><a href="https://www.beaumesdevenise-aoc.fr/?lang=en">Beaumes de Venise</a> has a distinctly Mediterranean climate, and it posts higher temperatures than some surrounding areas because the Dentelles de Montmirail shield the area from the strong, blowing cold of the Mistral wind. But Beaumes de Venise is distinct from other areas in that it has very high elevations -- the vineyard lies on slopes at 200-450 M/656-1,476 ft. The diurnal temperature swings and the breezes at elevation account for the freshness and acidity that is the hallmark of these wines.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style= "font-size: 8pt;"><em><img src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/45638/1.jpg" a