About this WINE
Domaine de Durban
Domaine de Durban is located in the hills to the east of the village of Beaumes-de-Venise and is owned and run by Madame Leydier and her 2 sons. This is the only area of the Rhône Valley where the Muscat grape is grown and it is from Muscat that the famous "Vin doux naturel" of Beaumes-de-Venise is made. Muscat grapes are cultivated and vinified using the same techniques for table wine before pure alcohol is added to the wine bringing the strength to over 15 degrees.
Bernard Leydier claims that their wines are so much more aromatic, opulent and delicately coloured than others because they use 100% Muscat de Frontignan à petit grains blanc as opposed to Muscat de Frontignan à grains noir which most others producers in the village cultivate. This is the outstanding estate in a village otherwise dominated by a powerful co-operative and several large négociants.
Muscat
Muscat refers to a family of grapes of which there are around 200 different branches. Muscat Blancs à Petits Grains is the most noble of the variety and makes the best and most distinctive wines. It is the only wine grape that produces wines that actually taste of grapes, and can produce a range of wines from pale, bone dry whites, through to golden yellow, rich, sweet wines.
In Alsace, two types of Muscat are grown - Muscat Blancs à Petits Grains and Muscat Ottonel. They are usually blended to produce wines that tend to be light and dry with a fruity, musky character and an intensely aromatic bouquet. Intensely sweet late harvest wines are also produced.
Muscat de Beaumes de Venise is one of the best Vin Doux Naturels in France. This is produced by adding grape spirit to the partly fermented must - the best producers, such as Domaine de Durban, produce deliciously sweet wines with rich grapey aromas balanced by fruity acidity.
In Australia Muscat à Petit Grains is used to produce the fortified Liqueur Muscats of Victoria (esp. Rutherglen). These are extraordinary wines - dark and treacly with a sensational perfume of orange, raisins and honey.
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Description
From the higher ground, Durban make outstanding Muscat; its notes of tilleul, white peach and lemon grass refreshingly supporting the 15% alcohol; an outstanding alternative to more famous desert wines in the repertoire; ideal with lighter puddings.
(Simon Field - BBR Buyer)
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