The Estate
The Domaine de Fenouillet is located in the Dentelles de Montmirail, in the heart of the Rhône Valley, in the picturesque village of Beaumes-de-Venise.
At the end of the 19th century, Casimir Haut established his oil mill and cannery in the village. In the 1900s, he vinified his first wines and was awarded in 1902 at the National Exhibition of Carpentras for his creations.
Starting in 1930, his son Louis joined the family business and in turn crafted the renowned Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise.
In 1957, Nicole, Louis' daughter, and her husband Yvon Soard settled on the estate, bringing with them the vineyard from the Dentelles de Montmirail. This alliance marked the first expansion of the Domaine, introducing new appellations. At that time, the harvested grapes were taken to the village cooperative winery. In 1989, Patrick and Vincent, the sons of Yvon and Nicole, decided to build their own cellar and founded Domaine de Fenouillet, producing their first vintage in the same year. Driven by their love for the environment, they converted the vineyard to organic farming in 2009, ensuring fertile land for future generations.
In 2021, Justine, Patrick's daughter, and Valentin, Vincent's son, joined the estate as Young Farmers and became co-managers of the business. The fifth generation is ready to take over. They are committed to modernizing the family estate and creating new cuvées.
The Wine
To harvest the Grenache and Syrah at optimal ripeness, the estate vinifies them separately, and they will be blended after malolactic fermentation.
The grapes are fully destemmed, followed by a long maceration of 3 to 4 weeks. During alcoholic fermentation, considerable effort is made to preserve the purity of the fruit through gentle pump-overs, without excess.
The 18-month aging in concrete vats helps to harmonize the wine while respecting the estate's terroir.
Tasting
The purple and violet color of the robe suggests a powerful wine. On the nose, there are ripe black fruits, hints of violet, and subtle spice notes. It is on the palate that the wine gains the most volume, while maintaining a freshness that brings balance and savoriness.
