Wines Beaumes de Venise Forge Cellars - BonBon - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Forge Cellars’ Cuvée BonBon 2023 from Beaumes de Venise, in the southern Rhône Valley, is a dry red wine reflecting the vibrant character of this renowned enclave. The blend is typical of the region, often featuring Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, though the precise composition of this cuvée isn’t specified. The 2023 vintage promises freshness and aromatic purity, shaped by a growing season marked by wind, warmth, and sufficient rainfall to ensure balanced grapes. The terroir of Beaumes de Venise is particularly unique, with sunbathed slopes, clay-limestone soils, and elevations that allow for both full ripening and preservation of acidity. The vinification likely emphasizes gentle extraction, seeking to capture juicy red fruit, hints of garrigue herbs, and a supple, medium-bodied structure.

The southern Rhône, and Beaumes de Venise in particular, has a long tradition of viticulture dating back to Roman times. Historically famed for its sweet Muscat, the area also produces refined dry reds that have gained recognition in recent decades. The Mediterranean climate is marked by hot summers, mitigated by the mistral wind, which helps protect vines against disease and encourages healthy ripening. The diversity of soils and exposures within the appellation contributes complexity and depth to the wines, making them excellent representatives of the region’s natural bounty.

Cuvée BonBon 2023 is an ideal partner for Mediterranean cuisine. Try it with Provençal lamb stew, ratatouille, or grilled sausages. Its expressive fruit and spice notes pair beautifully with grilled vegetables, dishes seasoned with thyme, rosemary, or black olives, and hard cheeses such as Tomme de Provence. Traditional southern Rhône fare like daube provençale will also bring out the best in this wine.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Cuvée BonBon at 15-16°C. Decanting for about thirty minutes will help open up its aromatic complexity, especially in its youth. This vintage can be enjoyed now for its freshness or cellared for a few years to develop additional nuance.