Winery & Vintage Info
Domaine de Durban is a 56-hectare estate based around a magnificent 15th century fortified farmhouse that stands against a background of pinewoods and enjoys a panoramic view over their vineyards.
The history of Domaine de Durban dates as far back as 1164 and has been owned and run by the Leydier family since 1967. It is located on a stunning hillside plateau overlooking the village of Beaumes-de-Venise, a site ideally situated for ripening the sweet muscat grapes used to produce the regions eponymous wines.
The Domaine consisted of 13 hectares of vines upon Leydier family taking over and they have since grown the holdings to 56 ha of today. 30 ha of those produces Beaumes de Venise red, 20 ha Muscat de Beaumes de Venise and 6 ha Gigondas.
It is the 3rd generation heading the domaine today, two Leydier brothers. Henri manages the winery and Philippe the vineyards.
This is the outstanding estate in a village otherwise dominated by a powerful co-operative and several large négociants.
Red Beaumes de Venise was upgraded to full AOC status in 2005, 60 years after its (better known) sweet Muscat appellation sibling. Consequently, it flies under the radar as a cracking value Cru.
This wine is a blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre every vintage. The AOC requires a min of 50% of the blend to be Grenache with Syrah and Mourvedre stipulated to be the main auxiliary varietals.
All the varietals are vinified separately then blended at early January of the next year.
The fermentation takes place in stainless steel and the grapes go through carbonic maceration for 18 days. The wine is then transferred to concrete tank for further maturation for 8 months, then bottled unfiltered. Winery Notes
