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2020 Beaumes-de-Venise Rouge
Domaine de Durban
Domaine de Durban vineyards
The town of Beaumes-de-Venise, in the heart of the southern Rhône, is best known for its ravishing dessert Muscat, a local specialty famously praised by Pliny the Elder. But this is Grenache territory, and Beaumes-de-Venise also produces delicious reds from these gentle, sunbaked slopes covered with garrigue. Although the town enjoys cru status in the same way as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, its red wines are generally softer and more approachable in their youth, with surprising aging potential thanks to the significantly concentrated fruit and structure. Priced far below its prestigious neighbors, Beaumes-de-Venise also represents a fabulous value.
At Domaine de Durban, an ancient farm now run by the Leydier family, Grenache is joined by Syrah and a drop of Mourvèdre to create this delightful everyday red scented with herbes de Provence and ripe black cherry. Durban’s specialty is their ability year in and year out to make reds that are dense, full, rustic, and incredibly drinkable all at once. Aged in neutral oak, the 2020 vintage is deep and robust with soft and fuzzy tannins—the perfect companion to pozole, burgers, pizza, or grilled meats.
—Anthony Lynch
| Wine Type: | red |
| Vintage: | 2020 |
| Bottle Size: | 750mL |
| Blend: | 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre |
| Appellation: | Beaumes-de-Venise |
| Country: | France |
| Region: | Southern Rhône |
| Producer: | Domaine de Durban |
| Winemaker: | The Leydier Family |
| Vineyard: | 47 years, 21 ha |
| Soil: | Clay, Limestone, Trias |
| Aging: | Grapes are fermented in stainless steel for 15 days, wine ages in barriques, bottled unfiltered |
| Farming: | Lutte Raisonnée |
| Alcohol: | 15% |
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About The Producer
Domaine de Durban
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Kermit once said...
Kermit once said...
When buying red Burgundy, I think we should remember:
1. Big wines do not age better than light wine.
2. A so-called great vintage at the outset does not guarantee a great vintage for the duration.
3. A so-called off vintage at the outset does not mean the wines do not have a brilliant future ahead of them.
4. Red Burgundy should not taste like Guigal Côte-Rôtie, even if most wine writers wish it would.
5. Don’t follow leaders; watch yer parking meters.
Inspiring Thirst, page 174