Beaumes-de-Venise is a real hidden gem in the Rhône valley - it’s best known for producing long-lived fortified wines made from the Muscat grape. But up in the foothills of the imposing Dentelles de Montmirail, you’ll find pockets of vineyards ideally suited to making amazing red wines - capable of giving nearby Vacqueras and Gigondas a serious run for their money. Winemaker Corinna Faravel found two such magical plots for sale in 2006 and snapped them up immediately. The vineyards are based on a mixture of limestone, clay and oxidised iron - this gives a vivid red colour to the soils. Corinna says this soil gives a lovely freshness and concentration to the fruit - it never tastes jammy or overcooked, no matter how hot the weather gets. She farms the vineyards organically which preserves and enhances the lovely raspberry, herbaceous and balsamic flavours in the fruit, which is a blend of Grenache and Syrah. Given the hard work done in the vineyards, there’s nothing complicated left to do in the winery. It’s aged for 10 months in old oak barrels to give it serious power and muscle. If you like an unapologetically big southern French red, like a good Châteauneuf-du-Pape, then you have to give this a try!