Domaine de Durban - Leydier et Fils, Muscat, Beaume de Venise 2013

The Muscat expresses itself with finesse. Delicate flavours tingle the tongue with notes of pear and apricot.

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 son. It is from the Muscat grape variety that the famous vin doux naturel of Beaumes-de-Venise is made.

Bernard Leydier claims that their wines are so much more aromatic, opulent and delicately coloured than others because they use 100% Muscat de Frontignan a Petits Grains Blancs - as opposed to the Muscat de Frontignan a Grains Noirs cultivated by most other producers in the village. This is the outstanding estate in a village otherwise dominated by a co-operative and several large negociants.

Production is traditional. in stainless steel tank at 15 degrees centigrade, bringing a volume of 7 to 10% neutral alcohol, to limit fermentation to a density of approximately 1050 so that at least 110 grams of sugar remain per litre.