Domaine de Durban, Beaumes-de-Venise (Rhône Valley, France) 2021

 Nestled between Vacqueyras and Gigondas, two formidable Southern Rhône appellations, Beaumes-de-Venise is home to classic Rhône red wines.  Domaine de Durban’s Beaumes-de-Venise is Grenache driven and shows earthy red fruit notes of wild strawberry and wild raspberry that support wet clay, dried black blossom and lavender.  The blend is 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre.  The wine’s importer, Kermit Lynch, focuses some of his most energetic efforts on the Rhône region and has relationships with the region’s top producers, including co-ownership of at least two wineries in the region.  When looking for a Southern Rhône wine, his selection is a great place to start.