The Southern Rhone Valley in France is widely regarded as one of, if not the best, wine growing regions in the world. Combine this with a family that has five generations worth of winemaking experience and you have a recipe for excellence. This is Famille Perrin.
Here the family has a number of Estate Vineyards, the most famous of which is the Chateau de Beaucastel, which they bought in 1549. A family business through and through, Famille Perrin is now headed by Jean Pierre and Francois Perrin, who look after the vineyard with a degree of care and attention to detail seldom seen elsewhere.
Having adopted an organic approach to winemaking as early as the 1950s and then biodynamic in 1974, the people of Famille Perrin believe in encouraging and working alongside nature when producing their wines. If they look to plant new vines, a horse and plough is used. This philosophy applies not only to their main Estates, but all the way to their Village Vineyards too. In this way, the family at Chateau de Beaucastel are able to look after and give back to the land that has provided them for so long, and in return are able to create a wine that is unchallenged in its authenticity to the Southern Rhone Valley.
Winery notes (2019 Vintage)
"Located at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, Beaumes de Venise has a particularly warm climate. This allows the grapes to reach full maturity and therefore produce a Vin Doux Naturel (fortified wine) that will pair perfectly with desserts, especially fruity ones.
Muscat Beaumes-de-Venise is a sweet fortified wine, the winemaking process is specific. It begins in a classic way; The bunches are immediately pressed, then they are settled. Fermentation takes place at low temperatures. Then comes the "mutage", an essential step in the process to keep at least 125 grams per litre of residual sugar. The whole process takes place in stainless steel vats, the wine is filtered and rapidly bottled.
Superb golden-yellow colour with shiny reflections. Particularly seductive, the nose reveals a magnificent aromatic bouquet with notes of acacia honey, almonds and juicy apricots. Round, generous and smooth, the palate is well balanced by a beautiful freshness with gourmet aromas of yellow fruit and the typical crunch of the grape variety. A very elegant wine, remarkably balanced. Serve at with any dessert except chocolate desserts."