Which grape is used to produce the Vin Doux Naturel AOC Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise?

• A. Muscat
• B. Grenache
• C. Syrah
• D. Mourvèdre

Answer: (A)

Vin Doux Naturel AOC Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise is made from Muscat grapes, not the red Rhône varieties. The Muscat grape brings the aromatic, floral, and fruity profile that characterizes this dessert-style wine, and the label reflects the grape used—usually Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains in this region. The process involves mutage, where fermentation is halted by adding neutral grape spirit, leaving residual sugar and elevating alcohol to create the sweetness and balance of the wine. The other grapes listed (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) are red varieties common to other Beaumes-de-Venise wines, but they aren’t the basis for this Muscat-based VDN.