At 15% alcohol, the 2012 Muscat Beaumes de Venise from Chapelle-St-Arnoux paired well with the blueberry and mango crumble. It scored 16+ Dionysian points on their scale of 20. Costing about $19, this French dessert wine is the classic example of what the Muscat grape can become when the natural acid is retained.

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The wine was balanced, so no alcohol or excessive sugars showed. It was floral with tropical fruits, melon and peach and had a long aftertaste that permitted the sugars to fade while the refreshing acids remained. This style of Muscat can be aged for a decade.  Try Some.  Erin Mahoney created the dessert with fresh New Jersey blue berries.  In vino veritas.

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The blueberry and mango crumble was topped with French vanilla ice cream, while the Beaumes de Venise added peach and tropical notes. It’s ideal for both summer and winter meals.