Producer: Domaine Ferme Saint Martin. 100% Certified Organic in biodynamic conversion
Wine: 2019 Beaumes de Venise "Saint Martin". It is the oldest cuvée of the domain. It was produced for the first time in 1964 by Aimé Jullien. The label has remained in the same state of mind since that year.
Varietals: 85% Grenache, 17% Syrah - this cuvee is comprised of the oldest vines of the domain from 60 to 104 years old.
Terroir: Clay and limestone soils from the Triassic period. This very old geological period presents very colorful soils. This soil touches the surface of the municipality of Suzette, under the effect of a phenomenon of compression. It has the particularity of bringing peppery and spicy notes to wines.
Vinification: Grapes are harvested by hand with yields of 20 hl/ha. 100% destemmed followed by maceration between 21 to 28 days, aging 9 to 12 months in half casks and in half tank. No fining, filtration or added sulfites.
Tasting Notes: Intense red color, ripe blackberries and spicy notes. Powerful, complex wine, with dark berries, plums and round and integrated tannins. Drink around 18°C-20°C, with red meats, game and cheeses.
Food: Barbecued meats, rack of lamb with Provençal herbs, Camembert cheese,
Cellaring: Drink now or cellar until 2028
DOMAINE FERME SAINT MARTIN
Suzette, Beaume de Venise (Rhone)
The Ferme Saint Martin vineyard is located in the small village of Suzette right at the top of the Beaume de Venise Appellation Controlee. The domaine covers 89 acres of land, 56 of which are planted with Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah for the reds and Roussanne and Clairette for the whites. The vines face south on a very dry and rocky terroir built in terraces between altitudes of 800 and 1600 feet. The wines are certified organic and follow very natural and strict methods of grape growing and winemaking. The most important element is the natural treatment of the soil and the vine, with no chemical spraying and manual harvesting, all wines are unfiltered.
Guy Julien at La Ferme Saint-Martin has gradually turned over the reins to his son Thomas who has recently gone through biodynamic conversion of the entire domain and is crafting some of the most aromatic wines.
The lush vineyards of Beaumes de Venise could be straight from the landscapes of Tuscany. Vines and olive groves grow side by side on land lovingly tended by the winegrowers, where sustainable agriculture is a natural extension of their deep love for this unique, fertile, precious land.
The name “de Venise” makes us think of Venice, and sounds as if it might have romantic connotations. But this area isn’t named for the beautiful Italian town; it’s a derivation of “de Venisse”, from “Comtat Venaissin” (also known as Comtat Avignonnais), which was once part of the Papal States.
Beaumes de Venise lies in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail and their jagged peaks of Jurassic limestone, a terroir made up of 3 types of soil, notably the rocky outcrop known as Le Trias (exceptional soils which produce a very specific type of wine).
Vines have been grown in Beaumes de Venise since ancient times. Much of the vineyard was devastated by phylloxera in the late 19th century, but was revived in the early 20th century and now enjoys a new vigor. In 1957, Beaumes de Venise became part of the Côtes du Rhône production area; in 1978, the wines were awarded Côtes du Rhône Villages Beaumes de Venise status, and on June 9, 2005, Beaumes de Venise red wine officially became a standalone Côtes du Rhône Cru.
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Information by: Vins Rhone
