Domaine des Bernardins Muscat Beaumes de Venise 2020

If you aren’t a fan of muscat (muscato) yet, it’s a grape you will want to get to know. Don’t assume just because you often see it on the labels of syrupy plonk in a box that it isn't capable of making fine wine, both sweet and dry. In fact, experts believe muscat may have been the first grape ancient Mediterranean winemakers used to craft the world's first wines.

The interesting thing about Muscat is that it is not just one varietal, but rather an extended family of grapes, with dozens of siblings, cousins and distant aunts and uncles. And like curly hair or brown eyes in human families, one common trait in the Muscat family is a characteristic ‘grapey’ scent present in every muscat varietal. This distinguishing musky aroma is from the high concentrations of flavour compounds called monoterpenes in the grapes.

Perhaps the most admired grape in the muscat family is known as Muscat blanc à Petits Grains. It is the variety used in the Beaumes de Venise region of Southern Rhône to make their acclaimed Vin Doux Naturel, a fortified wine made sweet by stopping fermentation with a neutral spirit.

This Domaine des Bernardins Muscat Beaumes de Venise 2020 is your perfect dessert solution. Pair it with anything from fresh fruit and aged cheese to chocolate mousse with whipped cream, or simply enjoy on its own before or after a meal.