Beaumes-de-Venise exploration: Petitjean family, Domaine de Cassan and Château Les Croix des Pins
Websites: https://domainedecassan.fr https://www.chateaulacroixdespins.fr
Domaine de Cassan is a beautifully located estate at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail. I met with proprietor Jérôme Petitjean to hear the story and taste through the wines. As with many local domaines, he’s not restricted to just one cru, but has vineyards in three. As well as 4 hectares in Beaumes-de-Venise, he’s got 25 hectares in Ventoux and 7 in Gigondas.
The Domaine was established in the 1970s, and until recently was owned by the Croset family. In 2010 the Petitjean family took over running their vineyards in Gigondas and Beaumes-de-Venise, and converted them to organics. Two years ago they took over the domaine in its entirety. They are in the process of renovating the rest of the vineyards, where he says he’s got a lot of work to do.
The Petitjeans are originally from Epernay, and still have 5 hectares of vines in Champagne, as well as a two other domaines in Vaucluse: Croix des Pins and Domaine des Nymphes.
Château Croix des Pins also has some vineyards in Beaumes-de-Venise.
Domaine de Cassan Le Couer des Dentelles Beaumes-de-Venise 2024 France
15% alcohol. This is the main cuvée with 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah from vines at 400 m in clay/limestone soils. Aged in concrete tanks. This is supple and fine with sweet cherry and berry fruits, some silkiness and a hint of green. Easy and expressive. Fine-grained structure with lovely precision, carrying the alcohol well. 93/100
Château La Croix des Pins Les Contreforts de Montmirail 2024 Beaumes-de-Venise, France
15% alcohol. 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah, aged in concrete egg. There’s some nice black pepper and black cherry character here with sleek black cherry and blackberry fruit on the palate. This also has some saltiness and fine-grained structure. Fresh and expressive. 93/100
Domaine de Cassan Félibrige 2020 Beaumes-de-Venise, France
15% alcohol. 50% Grenache, 50% Syrah. Oak aged. Made by the former owner. This is rich, vivid and spicy with some tannic structure under the cherry fruit, with notes of liquorice and spice, as well as hints of pepper and olives. 93/100
Domaine de Cassan Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise 2024 France
15% alcohol. Fruity and aromatic with appealing grapey richness, and notes of pear and peach. There’s some melon, too. Lovely weight here: quite delicious. 93/100
