Rivesaltes AOC

Rivesaltes: the sweetness of Languedoc Roussillon

Composed mainly of the Grenache grape variety and to a lesser extent of the Muscat grape variety, the Rivesaltes appellation is divided into four different types of wine: Grenats, Tuilés, Ambrés and Rosé wines. All of them have the label Vins Doux Naturels (VDN): this is a mutation technique that takes place shortly after the start of fermentation. The sugar naturally present in the grape, as well as its fine aromas are preserved more easily. Depending on whether the grapes are Garnet, Tuilé, Amber or Rosé, the method used is more or less oxidative. To better discover the Rivesaltes AOC, enjoy the vintages of Domaine Lafage, Château les Pins or the Terrassous and Dom Brial vineyards.

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SHALL WE TASTE?
In the Glass

GRENAT :

Tous les Rivesaltes, indépendamment de la méthode utilisée, sont des vins d’une longueur en bouche impressionnante !

Colour : A deep ruby, almost purple, which takes on tiled hues as it ages..

Nose : Rich aromas of red and black fruit reminiscent of cherry, blackberry and raspberry. Presence of spicy notes.

Mouth : Gourmet wine, freshness of the fruit matching the nose and smooth tannins..

TUILÉ :

Colour : Brick red which also takes on tiled shades as it ages..

Nose : Great complexity with toasted, cocoa and candied fruit notes such as prune or fig. Aromas of tobacco and coffee also add to the olfactory bouquet.

Mouth : An intense wine with a dominant prune flavours.

AMBRÉ :

Colour : Amber or even orange.

Nose : The nose is complex with notes of candied orange, gingerbread, dried fruit and caramel. There are also aromas of roasting, roasted almonds and hazelnuts.

Mouth : Round on the palate with a beautifully honeyed finish. The maturing process used for the "Amber" label brings finesse and aromatic subtlety to the palate..

ROSÉ :

Colour : Pretty strawberry pink.

Nose : Notes of fresh red berries, blueberries and citrus fruits..

Mouth : Explosion of red fruits and grapefruit.

FOOD / WINE PAIRING
Rivesaltes and degustations

RIVESALTES GRENAT, TUILÉ, AMBRÉ OR ROSÉ :

All the Rivesaltes are perfect as an aperitif to accompany foie gras, aniseed bread or blue-veined cheeses. However, they also go wonderfully with all kinds of desserts, from fresh melon to chocolate desserts or even coffee. For cigar lovers, try a Rivesaltes Ambré or Tuilé, an ideal combination!

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Interesting things about Rivesaltes

How is vin doux naturel made?

Grenache, the main grape variety used

The Grenat or garnet coloured wines are made exclusively from Grenache Noir. Grenache noir, a grape variety which also enters in a significant proportion (≥ 50%) for the tuilés or tile coloured wines, to which is added Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris Macabeu, Malvoisie, Muscat à Petit Grains, Muscat d'Alexandrie. As for the Ambré wines, they are made from all these grape varieties, but mainly from Grenache Blanc.

CULTIVATION:

The Rivesaltes AOC is characterised by a particular cultivation technique. Two processes are used. Depending on whether the wine is protected from the air or, on the contrary, in an oxidative environment; the style of Rivesaltes will be quite different. These styles correspond to the following terms: Garnet, Tuilé, Amber or Rosé; the terms "hors d'âge" and "rancio" correspond to more or less long maturing periods.

AGEING POTENTIAL :

The Rivesaltes Ambrés can easily be kept for more than 30 years, while the Tuilés can be kept for more than 50 years in the cellar ! As for the Rivesaltes Rosés, they should be enjoyed in their youth.

GRENACHE NOIR

MUSCATS