This is luxurious liquid gold from the good earth around the small picturesque village of Beaumes-de-Venise in the Provence region of southeastern France. The eponymous wine—Muscat de Baumes de Venise — is a delicious fortified golden wine made from the special Muscat grape variety that thrives here in the mighty Rhône Valley wine-producing region. The Popes, who once ruled out of nearby Avignon during the Papal Schism were partial to it, and The Gourmet Gazette is, too. The Muscat de Baumes de Venise is one of the great AOC or Designated Label of Origin wines and one of the great natural French sweet wines. Its production is limited and subsequently, so is its distribution. It is a refined fine drink, and it has a unique scent, deeply fragrant and a complex, unique and delicious taste. And it ages all too well. And so as if on cue, the house of Rhonéa has brought out its very limited edition Muscat de Beaumes de Venise Bois Doré (Golden Wood) that has been aged for six years. Only grapes of the Muscat à petits grains grape variety (which originated in Greece) are allowed to go into the making of the Muscat de Beaumes de Venise label and for Rhonea’s Golden Wood these were harvested in 2015. It is a particularly tricky grape variety to grow hence the limited production. The wine’s deep notes of candied orange, nutmeg and cinnamon envelop the palette. Served slightly chilled, it’s perfect with veined cheeses, think Roquefort here, and makes rich desserts even richer. It is one of the few wines that can be perfectly paired with chocolate. But it can also be served as an aperitif and an after dinner drink. This is a great and rare opportunity to experience the grandeur of the great Muscats. Special to The Gourmet Gazette. https://rhonea.fr/gb/