2009 Domaine La Ferme Saint-Martin Beaumes-de-Venise Les Terres Jaunes
We didn’t know anything about Domaine La Ferme Saint-Martin when we tried this lovely Southern Rhône red. A family business since the mid-1950’s, they became certified organic in 2002. I’m not sure what difference that makes in terms of quality, but it sure works for Guy and Thomas Jullien, the father-and-son team, and this excellent wine.
Click here for a cool map of Beaumes-de-Venise.
I’ve read that the region is famous for a sweet fortified wine, Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise. Fortunately for us red lovers, high quality reds are becoming more common, too. La Ferme Saint-Martin must be on the cutting edge, as they produce about a half dozen reds.
I found this bottle for about $15 at my local wine shop. We liked it so well that I ordered a case that same week.
2009 Domaine La Ferme Saint-Martin Beaumes-de-Venise Les Terres Jaunes: This is a blend of Grenache and syrah. It is an opaque purple red with a nose of red berry, cherry, leather and horse sweat; it almost made us believe that it could be pinot noir. We noted black cherry, coffee and licorice. It is full bodied with a creamy supple texture and a smooth long finish.