Domaine des Bernardins - Muscat de Beaumes de Venise 2023 (Vin Doux Naturel)

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

The property owes its name to the Bernardine monks who once owned it. The Castaud family has been running it for five generations. The vineyards (23 hectares, mostly white grape varieties) are planted on the southern slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail, in a stunning landscape. It is a shame that the estate is one of the last defenders of Muscat, as it is a very high-quality product here.

Decanter

About wine:

Aromas of caramel and apricot jam. A lighter vintage for this cuvée, but very fresh and drinkable, and by far the best Muscat of the vintage. 110g/L residual sugar. In conversion to organic farming.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About wine:

An orange-colored wine, the nose reveals notes of apricot and vine peach, hints of kumquat and citrus zest, underscored by a touch of menthol. The palate is broad, with a beautiful smooth and rich texture, without heaviness. A noble wine.

About the estate:

This estate embraces a traditional approach to winemaking, without excessive technology or modernism. It's no surprise that the small-grain Muscat grapes produce a nectar with an unparalleled texture and a richness equivalent to that of the greatest Sauternes wines. The Domaine des Bernardins, renowned for the quality of its magnificent Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise wines, also produces a very attractive red wine with a strong personality that we find enchanting. Romain Hall has been making wine with his father since 2007. Although red wine accounts for 30% of production, it has always been present, with the oldest vintage on record dating back to 1847. The estate vinifies whole bunches of black grapes, to which 10% white grapes are added during blending. The latter plays an important role in adding body, according to Romain. The wines are very aromatic, and while they have long been a little fiery in their youth, the latest vintages are much more restrained, precise, and masterfully graceful, always capable of aging beautifully over time. Above all, this estate produces stunning Muscats, which can be enjoyed in their youth. But with age, ten, twenty years or more, they acquire incredible complexity.

Wine Enthusiast

Jancis Robinson