Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise (France)
Muscat de Beaumes de Venise is a fortified wine (vin doux naturel) from the village Beaumes-de-Venise in the Rhône Valley.
It is is produced from the small berried Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, and must contain a minimum alcohol level of 15%.
Mutage is carried out during the fermentation by the addition of 95% spirit.
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise Flavors
 Apricot |
 Orange |
 Citrus |
 Mandarin |
 Muscat Grape |
 Caramel |
 Honey |
 Blossoms |
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise Profile
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise is sweet with intense aromas.
| SUGAR: | 100-120 g/l |
| BODY: | Medium - Full |
| FRUIT: | Medium - Full |
| ACIDITY: | Medium |
| ALCOHOL | 15-18% ABV |
 |
Serving temperature: As Aperitif 10°C (50°F) After Dinner 16°C (61°F) |
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise Food Pairing
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise can be served as an aperitif, with fruit desserts and ice-desserts. It also loves foie gras.
 Aperitif |
 Fruit |
 Pavlova |
 Blue Cheese |
Spicy Food
The sweet and floral notes of Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise go perfectly with spicy Indian and Thai foods.
Blue Cheeses
Sharp and strong cheeses make a great pairing with the fruity and floral aromas of a good Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise.
The Ideal Glass for Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise
|
A Small Tulip Shaped glass helps concentrate the aromatic intensity, enhancing the beautiful floral and fruity notes these wines are known for. A small glass (similar to those for dessert wines) is appropriate, because this type of wine is served in smaller portions due to its sweetness and richness. The narrow rim helps capture the aromas, allowing the wine's sweet, aromatic profile to shine. |
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise Cheese Pairing
The Muscat Grape
The Muscat family includes over 200 grape varieties that have been used in wine production (table grapes and raisins) for many centuries.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is a white wine grape of Greek origin. Its name comes from its small berry size and tight clusters. It is known under a variety of names like:
- Moscato bianco
- Muscat blanc
- Muscat Canelli
- Muscat de Frontignan
- Muscat de Lunel
- Muscat d'Alsace
- Muskateller
- Moscatel de Grano Menudo
- Moscatel rosé
- Sárgamuskotály
Muscat of Alexandria
The Muscat of Alexandria is characterized by its great aromatic power and high sugar content. The fruits of the bunch are larger and oval than those of the small-grained Muscat. It is also known as Muscat of fat grain, or Muscat of Málaga.
Dry White Wines
Muscat grapes can be used produce dry white wines, often characterized by their floral and fruity aromas with notes of peach, orange blossom, and honey. These wines are typically light and refreshing.
Fortified Wines
Muscat grapes are also used to make fortified wines, which have higher alcohol content due to the addition of spirits.
Muscat Blanc in France
In France, the grape is called Muscat Blanc or Muscat à petits grains.
It is used to produce dry white wines, natural sweet wines (vins doux naturels) and sparkling wines.
Muscat d'Alsace is a dry table wine with a fruity aroma, and a light fresh body that makes it an excellent aperitif.
Muscat de Rivesaltes and Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise are a sweet fortified dessert wines with flavors of flowers, apricot, citrus and honey.
Clairette de Die is a sparkling wine from the town of Die in the eastern Rhone region of France. It is made from a blend of Muscat Blanc and the Clairette grape, producing a sparkling white wine with a fruity, musky taste.
Moscatel in Portugal and Spain
Examples include:
- Moscatel de Alejandra (Spain)
- Moscatel de Setúbal (Portugal)
These wines are rich, sweet, and intensely aromatic.
Moscato Bianco in Italia
In Italy, the grap is called Moscato Bianco.
It is used to produce dry, sweet, sparkling, and fortified wines.
The popular Moscato d'Asti and Asti Spumante wines are light, slightly sweet alternatives for celebrations and as an aperitif.
Zibibbo in Sicily
The name Zibibbo is commonly used in Italy, particularly in Sicily, where it has historical significance.
Zibibbo is often associated with sweet or fortified wines, it is also used to produce dry wines, particularly in Sicily.
Zibibbo Secco can offer a unique and aromatic drinking experience.
Muscat of Alexandria in Greece
White wines from Limnos are made from Moschato Aspro and Muscat of Alexandria. It is vinified dry, semi-dry and medium sweet.
PDO Muscat of Limnos dessert wines may be either vin naturellement dour (sun-dried grapes) or vin doux naturel – vin de liqueur (fortified).
Muscat in Australia
Different types of Muscat grapes are grown in Australia. Different wine styles have been developed ranging from crisp dry whites to late harvest sweet wines and the famous fortified Liqueur Muscats.
Fortified Muscats are produced in Rutherglen and Glenrowan in northeast Victoria. The grape is Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains.