2018 Château Redortier Beaumes-de-Venise Rouge

60% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 5% Counoise from 35 year old vines on clay-limestone soils at 1,500’ elevation around the village of Suzette. Fully destemmed, fermented with native yeasts in cement vats and aged for two years in cement. 14.5% alcohol. Beaumes-de-Venise is just north and east of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, at the base of Dentelles de Montmirail, where high-altitude cooling breezes preserve freshness in the grapes. This is a great value alternative to CdP with its medium body and supple texture. The Syrah pops big with all its spice-dust and crusty earth, and Grenache fills-in the gaps with its mouthwatering strawberry and raspberry fruits. And that sliver of Counoise?  Second generation farmers, winemakers and sisters Isabelle and Sabine admire its soft spice and floral fruit, locking-in freshness.