Rhône

This AC was declared a separate region in 2005, it is located in the département Vaucluse in the southern section of the Rhône region in France. It includes the commune of Beaumes-de-Venise, from which it takes its name, as well as Lafare, Suzette and La Roque-Alric. It was previously part of the AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages, but was already allowed to state the commune name on the label. The AC applies to blended red wines made from a minimum of 50% Grenache Noir, a minimum of 20% Syrah, as well as a maximum of 20% of other varieties permitted in the Côtes du Rhône, with a maximum of 5% of white varieties. The minimum alcohol content stipulated is 12,5 vol, heating the mash is prohibited. The yield is limited to 38hl/ha, with an absolute upper limit of 50hl/ha. The regulations for Côtes du Rhône apply to rosé and white wines. The wines from this region were mentioned by the Roman historian, the elder Pliny (23 - 79 AD), in his work „Naturalis historia”. The area became famous in the 17th century, when the Muscat grape was introduced. It forms the foundation for the separate AC Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise. The vineyardarea totals 550 hectares on limestone and sandstone soils. Well-known producers include Château Redortier, Château Saint-Sauveur, Domaine de Coyeux, Domaine de Durban, Domaine les Goubert, Domaine du Fenouillet and Jaboulet-Aîné.