Wines Beaumes de Venise Château La Croix des Pins - Les Contreforts de Montmirail - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Château La Croix des Pins, Cuvée Les Contreforts de Montmirail 2023, is a red wine from the Beaumes de Venise AOC in the southern Rhône Valley. This appellation, though internationally known for its sweet Muscat, also produces outstanding dry reds like this one. The 2023 vintage draws from classic Rhône varietals, most likely including Grenache, Syrah and perhaps a touch of Mourvèdre, crafted into a blend that emphasises both concentration and suppleness. The terroir—comprised of sun-drenched terraces at the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail—combines limestone, clay, and sandy soils, which impart freshness and aromatic complexity to the wine. The vinification typically involves careful extraction to preserve the fruit and spicy character, often finished in stainless steel or neutral vats to let terroir and fruit shine.

The southern Rhône region benefits from a Mediterranean climate, marked by hot, dry summers and the influential Mistral wind, which keeps the vines healthy and aids in ripening. Beaumes de Venise itself boasts a long viticultural history dating to Roman times, and its higher elevations provide cooling influences that balance the robust sun, lending finesse and freshness to the wines. The soils here, a mosaic of fractured limestone and marl, promote depth and minerality, key to the complexity of the reds.

This wine’s vibrant structure and ripe fruit profile make it a perfect companion for regional specialities. Consider pairing it with slow-cooked lamb shoulder with Provençal herbs, daube de boeuf, or grilled aubergines with tapenade for a vegetarian option. Southern French cheeses like Tomme de Provence or even a simple plate of saucisson and dark olives will echo the wine’s spicy, herbal notes.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at about 16-18°C, ideally after allowing it to breathe in a carafe for thirty minutes. This temperature best showcases its aromatic depth, juicy texture, and delicate tannins. Enjoy as part of a convivial meal or a special evening, and allow the flavours of Beaumes de Venise to transport you to its sunlit hills.