Qualité & Tradition

Wine: more than a profession … a passion!

  • OPENING OF OUR TASTING CELLAR

                                             Opening Hours  &  Welcoming :

                                                                   7JRS / 7

                                from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:30

     

     

     

                                             

     

     

  • A LITTLE BIT OF PARADISE !!!

    To charge those batteries, there is still a little corner of paradise and fresh air ….. but where? in Beaumes de Venise of course!
    Here at the Durban domain, it’s good to return, spring is here, the trees and flowers are blooming, the birds inundate us with their most beautiful songs in this place of fullness and natural beauty.
    Let’s add to all that the sweet sound of the bell of St Hilaire Chapel!
    In this period of worry and doubt come and visit us and share a moment of warm and cordial exchange, respecting all those barrier gestures !!!
    You will leave with a light heart and will not regret your visit.

     

     

     

  • REBIRTH

    In this period of gloomy weather followed by bursts of heat, our vines are full of beautiful colors.
    At the domain all is freshly colorful that we must enjoy while we can because shortly the summer will set in with its heat and dryness.

     

  • Le Mont Ventoux

    Following the road that leads to the domain, you will be able to admire the magnificent Mont Ventoux all year round.

  • Les Dentelles de Montmirail

    At the Domaine de Durban nature is always so generous whatever the season, what a pleasure to admire the Dentelles de Montmirail at sunset !! Maybe you’ll be lucky when visiting the estate to see this wonderful show !

  • OPENING OF OUR TASTING CELLAR

                                             Opening Hours  &  Welcoming :

                                                                   7JRS / 7

                                from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:30

     

     

     

                                             

     

     

  • How to find us

    To get to the Domaine de Durban, we advise against using your GPS and suggest you follow the following route (from the village):

    • In the town center, take the D21 (Caromb, Malaucène);
    • 100m further on, turn left onto Avenue Gambetta D90 direction Lafare
    • continue for 300m then turn left onto Avenue du Portail Neuf
    • turn right onto Chemin de Urban
    • continue 2.5 km through beautiful woods,

    and voila – Welcome to the Domaine!!

  • Certification High Environmental Value

     Biodiversity, Phytosanitary strategy, Fertilization management,

    Water resource management.

     

  • Les Dentelles de Montmirail

     

    Les Dentelles de Montmirail are a part of the mountain range of the Baronnies massif.
    You will experience breath taking views on one of the must do walks in the region. It is also a great opportunity to make some stops in the villages along the way and admire the vineyards that produce some of the best wines of the Côtes du Rhône like the Beaumes de Venise.

  • PARTNER RESTAURANTS IN BEAUMES DE VENISE

     

     

    La Table des Balmes
    Tél: 04 90 46 58 98

    Lou Castelet
    Tél : 04 90 65 00 75

    L’Amerigo Vespucci
    ( Relais des Dentelles )
    Tél :  04 90 62 95 27

    Auberge Saint – Roch
    Tél : 04 90 65 08 21

    La Part des Anges
    Tél: 04 90 46 52 80

    Côté Vignes
    Tél: 04 90 65 07 16

     

  • Domain de Durban’s History

    Imagine picturesque villages dotted around rolling hills, winding country roads and peaceful vineyards. Such is the landscape at the Domaine de Durban in Beaumes de Venise. But it has not always been this way. One can imagine many moons ago the earth, sunshine and vines getting together in perfect harmony and deciding this in the promise land.
    The Domaine de Durban has a pine wood as a backdrop and looks onto the vineyard. The panorama is magnificent.

    Traces of sovereigns are to be found at Durban in 1050 (attached to the Roque-Alric). Years later, the lord of Durban who had an allegiance with the Count of Toulouse, and the Cathare religion, saw his Castel and its defenses razed to the ground. He was given permission to build a fortified farm only, of which no more than a few ruins remain on the site .

    It was in 1967 that the Leydier family bought the Domaine. There were then only 13 hectares of vineyards, which included 9 hectares of red grenache and 4 hectares of muscat. We were already producing muscat wine which is said to have been the preferred appetizer of all Popes.
    A soft, very aromatic wine which made not only the Domaine de Durban famous, but also Beaumes de Venise .

    The ground at Durban which is made up of 60% clay cand 40% Trias has a very sunny exposure and a microclimate that helps produce great vintage wines and with regularity. The minerals present in the rich soil give both body and roundness to the wine but it is generously aromatic giving a subtle elegance.

    Today, the estate covers 119 hectares of which 56 acres are of vintage, 6 hectares of Gigondas, 30 hectares of Controlled Origin Appellation Beaumes de Venise and 20 hectares  of Muscat Beaumes of Venise. 5.85 hectares of Côtes du Rhône  marketed in bulk plus 8 hectares of Geographical Location Protected ( I.G.P. )

    We have fourteen permanent employees working on management:
    workers, secretaries and about a dozen seasonal agricultural workers according to requirements.

     

    We share the same quality and tradition ideal with the descendants of Jacques Leydier, his sons Jean-Pierre and Bernard (now retired) and grandsons , Henri and Philippe.

     

    ANNUAL PRODUCTION:

    Muscat sweet  Beaumes of  Venise wine ( 100% natural Muscat  ) : 40 000 bottles

    Vintage  Beaumes de Venise red  (70%  Grenache, 25% Syrah,  5% Mourvèdre )
    ” Cuvée Prestige ” : 12 000 bouteilles
    ” Vieilles Vignes ” : 110 000 bouteilles

    Vintage red   Gigondas   : 30 000 bouteilles

    I.G.P.  local  Vaucluse Rosé wine  ( 100% Grenache ) : 20 000 bouteilles
    I.G.P. local  Vaucluse white Selected wine ( 50% Chardonay, 50% Viognier ) : 9000 bouteilles
    I.G.P. local Vaucluse white wine   ( 100%Viognier ) : 10 000 bouteilles
    I.G.P.local Vaucluse  dry white wine  Fruity  of Durban  ( 100% Muscat  ) : 6000 bouteilles

    I.G.P. local  Vaucluse red wine (Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, Marselan)  : 30 000 bouteilles
    (  All marketed in the  USA)

    Marketing:  Vault: 40%, Export 35%, CHR: 25%

    Export countries : Belgium, England, Germany, Holland, Denmark, Luxenbourg, Sweden, Ireland, U.S.A, Switzerland, Brazil, Australia, Nez Zealand, Singapore and Canada…

     

           

  • Groupe Visiting

     

    For you information, we receive groups up to 20 people. Visiting the cellar is subject to availability, thant you to contact us 48h in advance !!

  • SERVICE

    For your information:

    Free wine tasting
    Cellar visits according to availability
    Payment methods : Credit card, checks and cash
    Handicaped access
    Parking
    Toilets
    Delivery ( France)

  • Export

    Please be aware that we do not export to individuals and only ship to france.
    Please contact us via email for further information.

  • A welcoming Terroir

     

                  

    www.vins-rhone-tourisme.fr

    Created and set up by Inter Rhône in 2003, the cellar welcoming quality charter of the
    ” Rhône Valley , Terroirs d’Accueil ” is a bearer of the values of sharing and conviviality of Rhone vineyards. It is the guarantee that the visitors of wine cellars, ambassadors of their territory, benefit from quality service.

    This year again the Domaine de Durban keeps it 3 leaves !!

     

  • LES DENTELLES DE MONTMIRAIL

    The Dentelles de Montmirail form part of the Baronnies massif mountain range.

    With exceptional views, this is one walk you should not miss. It is an opportunity to stop in any of the neighbouring villages and admire the vineyards noted to be some of the best Côtes du Rhône wines, for example Beaumes de Venise.

  • VINEYARDS & DISCOVERIES

    We are now a VINEYARDS & DISCOVERIES labeled domain.
    Launched in 2009, the label “Vignobles et Découvertes” is a national label, which aims to promote tourism around the theme of wine and vineyards. It was awarded to the territory “Around the Dentelles de Montmirail” in 2013 .

  • Origins and characteristics of our grape varieties !!

     

    The Grenache
    Black grape originally from the island of Sardinia (Italy), it is one of the most cultivated varieties in the world. High quality grape, it gives generous, colourful and powerful red wines important to the ageing process.

     

    The Syrah
    Syrah is a French and Swiss grape, it is known for its fruity aroma. Red fruits: raspberry, currant, blueberry and blackberry. It is found in the Rhône Valley, Provence and the Mediterranean.

     

    The Mourvredre
    A black variety of Spanish origin, it is often used to enhance the composition and complexity of wines. The addition with other southern grapes allows for a more flexible and affordable young wine.

     

    Muscat small white grape
    A white variety of Greek origin, grown since antiquity in most Mediterranean wine producing countries. This variety has a musky aromatic flavour, firm, juicy and very sweet.

     

    The Viognier
    A white grape which was originally cultivated in the Northern regions of the Côtes du Rhône, Viognier gives a high quality full bodied wine white, thick, creamy, very fragrant, with floral flavours (violet) and fruity (mango and apricot).

     

    The Chardonnay
    A French white grape originally from Burgundy with a very high potential for a quality dry wine with aromas of fresh fruit: (banana, blackcurrant, pear, and mango); dry fruits (almonds and hazelnut) and citrus fruits (lemon and orange blossom).

     

    The Marsanne

    The French white Marsanne, native to the Drôme (Montélimar), has long been found in the region of Saint Peray in the Ardèche and Tain l’Hermitage in the Drôme. Marsanne is in most cases associated with Roussanne.
    With aromas of dried apricot, acacia, honeysuckle, quench and dried fruit: (almond, hazelnut, walnuts).

     

    The Roussanne

    Similar to the Marsanne, the Roussanne white grape is said to be native to Montélimar in the Drôme area. It is also found in the region of Tain l’Hermitage in the Drôme and Saint Peray in the Ardèche. Roussanne is a noble grape variety, producing wines of very high quality, fine, straw yellow in colour, powerful with a remarkable bouquet, in association with other white grape varieties; Roussanne gives an aromatic supplement and elegance that the latter would not have had without it.
    With aromas of apricot, hawthorn, honey, lime and peony.

     

  • Beaumes de Venise “Alliance” Birth of a Bottle

     

    Late 2013, Balméens winemakers decided to create a new emblazoned wine bottle going from Beaumes de Venise to A.O.P Beaumes de Venise (red). Winemakers envisage a coat of arms representing the 4 municipalities which form A.O.P. Beaumes de Venise:

    Beaumes: Lafare; La Roque Alric; and Suzette. As a result, the coat of arms containing all or part of the coat of arms of each village was born:

    * For Beaumes of Venise:

    The 3 golden Taus symbolizing the reunification of the 3 Christian communities of Beaumes: Saint Veran; and Aubune.

    * For Lafare:

    Their coat of arms is a castle under which passes a wolf. Only the wolf was used in the final coat of arms due to visual issues.

    * For La Roque Alric:

    Golden azure cross, with four flecks of ermine coloured sand. The cross was chosen and associated with the new Beaumes coat of arms.

    * For Suzette:

    Firstly, three azure golden bands, the second, golden crawling wolf. Only the wolf was used mirroring the selection from Lafare.

     

    A ring circles the bottle touching either side of the coat of arms representing “The Alliance” between the 4 communities.

     

    The addition of the completed emblazoned bottles was introduced on 27th May, 2015!

     

     

The Domaine

At the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail the Domaine de Durban seems to blessed by the gods.

Located on a plateau of a hill overlooking the village of Beaumes de Venise, the Domaine de Durban backed by a pine wood, looks at the vineyard and offers a breathtaking panorama.

It is in exceptional setting that the Leydier family pays full attention to the production of its various wines. 

The land is perfect for the Muscat grape.
The Domaine de Durban vineyard extends over 56 hectares.

  • 30 hectares of Beaumes de Venise Red (DPO).
  • 20 hectares of V.D.N. “Muscat de Beaumes de Venise” (DPO).
  • 6 hectares of Gigondas (DPO).
  • 100_0198
    The Domaine
  • Chapelle Durban 1
    Old little chapel in a private part of the domaine
  • 100_0189
    Wine – tasting cellar
  • terrasse
    From our terrace you can admire a part of our vineyard

The Profession

The Leydier family takes care of the maintenance and preparation of the vines all year round in order to ensure a high degree of regularity in their production.

At the Domaine de Durban, the grapes are harvested as in the past: picking is done by hand so as not to damage the grapes; sorting is done straight from the vine, in order to eliminate the grapes damaged or not fully ripened.

The grape thus harvested is de-stemmed and then placed in vats so that it marinates to release it’s nectar before being transferred into stainless steel tanks which control the temperature.

Authentic wines and characters,

The independent Winemaker : respects the land, works his vineyard, harvests the grapes, grows and matures his wine,
bottled in his cellar, perfected in respect of traditions, welcomes, advises, shares with delight the fruit of his work.

The Winegrowers :

3rd generation at the domaine, two brothers,  Henri ( left) manages the winery and the administration and Philippe (right) takes care of the vineyard .

The Origin

The Domaine de Durban is located on a soil composed of 40% Triassic and 60% clay-limestone, which brings richness and complexity. The vineyard is perched on a hillside and benefits from a very sunny exposure and together with a micro-climate produces wines of great quality.

Our terroir le Trias in Beaumes de Venise

Buried beneath more than 1500m of sediments, this geological layer resurfaces today in various places above ground.Rich in magnesia, calcium carbonate and iron.Earth from Le Trias is easily identifiable thanks to its colors: ochre, yellow and violet.

The symbiosis of terroir and grape varieties offers ideal conditions for a Muscat of great regularity, fruity white wine, and an exceptional superior red wine now known as Beaumes-de-Venise.

  • 100_0198
    You can distinguish the Dentelles de Montmirail in the background
  • The Domaine
  • Our vineyards beautifully overlooking the valley
  • DSC 8953
    You can distinguish the Mont Ventoux in the background
  • The land of the Trias

The Cellar

Ripe grapes are picked by hand and gently de-stemmed. They are then marinate over a long period of time to give the wine its complex aromas, fine tannins and coated.

The total production being:

  • 1000 hectoliters of Beaumes de Venise red
  • (about 130 000 bottles) (DPO)
  • 215 hectoliters of Gigondas
  • (about 27,000 bottles) (DPO)

 

Muscat natural sweet wine ( mutated wine )

Operation that consists of artifficially stopping the fermentation of natural sweet wines at the right time by an addition of neutral vinous alcohol .
The word ” mutage ” comes from the fact that we make. The wine mute while it sparkles during fermentation.

The total production being:

  • 450 hectoliters of Natural Sweet Wine
  • (about 60,000 bottles)