Rivesaltes | Complete guide to Rivesaltes natural sweet wines

The Languedoc-Roussillon region has a very large vineyard, benefiting from the region's natural and climatic conditions. zVine-growing is currently the dominant activity in the region. Most of the grapes are harvested in the Pyrénées-Orientales region. RivesaltesBanyuls, Maury, Côtes-d'Agly and Côtes-de-haut-Roussillon. In this article, we'll concentrate on the famous vins doux naturels de Rivesaltes.

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All about vins doux naturels | Rivesaltes

Rivesaltes is a town in south-western Languedoc that has given its name to two great appellations: Rivesaltes and Muscat de Rivesaltes. Made from Muscat d'Alexandrie or Blanc à Petits Grains, the wines are surprisingly varied in temperament. The best share a freshness of grape, a richness and complexity derived from mutage and prolonged aging. This is one of the historic appellations for natural sweet wines in the eastern part of Roussillon. Many people tend to confuse vins doux naturels with Muscat de Rivesaltes, which is very similar in style and comes from the same region. Muscat de Rivesaltes is different in that it is made from Muscat grapes, whereas Rivesaltes is made from three types of Grenache (Noir, Blanc and Gris).

 

How is vin doux naturel de Rivesaltes produced?

Winemakers use a variety of techniques to produce this wine. Red or white, these are sweet wines. The technique used to make VDN is mutage. This involves stopping the fermentation of the must, while preserving a high level of natural sweetness. High levels of residual sugar (minimum 100 g/l) and alcohol (between 15% and 17%) are achieved. This process gives rise to sweet, viscous wines. The leading figure in this style of wine is the rector of the University of Montpellier in the 13th century, Monsieur Arnaud de Villeneuve, who is said to have discovered this principle.

 

The Rivesaltes vineyard

In Rivesaltes, alongside plots planted entirely with Muscat, Grenache Blanc and Malvoisie produce wines of extreme finesse; most of Rivesaltes is planted on the ancient, very stony alluvial terraces between Salses, Rivesaltes and the Crest de Pia. Golden white wines are also produced from Rivesaltes, Côtes d'Agly and Côtes du Haut-Roussillon, often taking on a beautiful burnt topaz hue with age. After vinification, these wines must have a minimum total alcoholic strength of 21°5, and a minimum alcoholic strength of 15°.

 

How to enjoy a Rivesaltes wine?

Consumers should take care to chill their bottles between 5° and 10°; these are the ideal temperatures for consuming natural wines. Don't forget that muscats are always very sweet and should be classed with the sweetest vins doux naturels. With ageing under certain conditions, natural sweet wines made mainly from Grenache and Malvoisie acquire the sought-after rancio taste.

 

Some prestigious Rivesaltes estates

On Comptoir des Millésimes, you'll find several prestigious estates in the Rivesaltes appellation. Here is an overview of some of the estates on the site, available for purchase. Order old vintages of Rivesaltes wines at the best prices.

 

• Cazes House

Maison Cazes, or Domaine Cazes, produces superb vins doux naturels. These wines are made to keep. As a result, you'll find many old vintages for astonishing tastings. Domaine Cazes was founded in 1895 in Rivesaltes. The estate has been an expert in biodynamic viticulture since 1997. It is the leading house for natural sweet wines. We'd like to introduce you to two of the estate's most sought-after cuvées.

Cuvées and tasting

Cuvée Rivesaltes "Aimé Cazes": this wine has a much darker color than the classic vintage Rivesaltes, with more notes of chocolate, coffee beans, salted butter caramel and sweet spices. These aromas can be found both on the nose and on the palate. You'll notice its thrilling sweetness, incredible texture and astonishing length. 

Classic vintage Rivesaltes: these wines are ideal for laying down. Their sugar content and the estate's extraordinary winemaking process mean they'll stand up to the test of time without a hitch. A real tasting emotion, with complex aromas. These wines are easy to drink as an aperitif and ideal with dessert. Some ideas: chocolate mousse, chocolate cake or fondant. Another ideal ingredient to enjoy and accompany a Rivesaltes is walnuts, in pie, plain or in cake. Formages are also an excellent accompaniment. Savoury dishes are more limited, but accompanying a good foie-gras with your VDN will be rewarded with an excellent tasting experience!

Access to Domaine Cazes sales

 

• Domaine Casenobe | Domaine de La Sobilane | Riveyrac

We've brought these three estates together because they're all owned by natural sweet wine expert Philippe Gayral (Muse Vintage Wines since 2005). They also have other estates producing vins doux naturels. Philippe and his wife Sandrine have been buying special foudres for over 20 years, and now have the most impressive collection of vins doux naturels in the world. This passionate couple produce wines not only from Rivesaltes, but also from the Banyuls and Maury appellations, with many old vintages ranging from 1909 to 1985. Discover on our website the different vintages available for your gifts and tastings.

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The best vintages of Rivesaltes

Here's a look at the best vintages of the Rivesaltes appellation. Source : vin-vigne.com

Vintages of excellence: 2001, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2005

Great Rivesaltes vintages: 1986, 1989, 1990, 1995, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2012