Domaine des Bernardins is an historic property that was once owned by Bernardins (Cistercians) monks before winemaking started here in the early 19th Century. Owned by the Castaud-Maurin family, it has been a family estate for six generations.
They have 25 ha of vines. No herbicides are used and techniques are as manual and natural as they can be, making their own organic compost. Natural grass cover, bud and leaf removal all help preserve the natural biodiversity of the vineyards. Hand harvesting, temperature control and 24 hour a day monitoring of the vats during vinification ensure perfect balance in the wines. The winery, built 7 years ago, enables all work to be done via gravity ensuring delicate handling of the grapes. Old Muscat à Petis Grains vines produce superbly elegant wines with lots of character.
Muscat de Beaumes de Venise is a fortified wine, vin doux naturel, with a great history. Fortified during fermentation with pure wine alcohol 95% proof minimum. Muscat de Beaumes de Venise must contain minimum 110g/l residual sugar and have a minimum alcohol content of 15%.
This wine is creamy and rich with glazed orange rind on the nose as well as apricot and floral notes. It has a broad palate with notes of raisin, apricot and pear skins, with a touch of honey. A lovely balance of fruit, acidity and pithy bitterness. It shows really well alongside paté and roquefort but also fruit tarts, pastries and chocolate desserts.
