Nestled in the 15th position among French wine-producing departments, the Eastern Pyrenees department in Roussillon contributes 2% of the national wine production by volume. Rivesaltes, a beacon of winemaking excellence in this region, stands out with its production of Dry Still Wines and Vins Doux Naturels (Fortified Sweet Wines), representing a remarkable 80% of the national production in this category.
Rivesaltes AOP
With 14 Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and 2 Protected Geographic Indication (PGI) wines, Rousillon boasts a diverse range of offerings. Geographically, Rivesaltes finds itself in an amphitheater open to the Mediterranean in the Eastern Pyrenees department. Surrounded by the Corbières to the North, the Pyrenees with Mount Canigou to the West, and the Albères to the South, this picturesque region is traversed by three rivers: the Agly, the Têt, and the Tech.
Covering 573,894 hectares, the Eastern Pyrenees department hosts 2,033 family-owned vineyards, 375 private wine producers, 24 wine-growers’ cooperatives, and nearly 100 wine merchants.
In the world of fortified sweet wines, AOP Rivesaltes, AOP Banyuls, AOP Maury, AOP Muscat de Rivesaltes, AOP Banyuls Grand Cru, and AOP Rivesaltes Grenat have been key players since 1936.
Rivesaltes, one of the AOPs within Roussillon, exemplifies the diversity of terroirs, featuring soils ranging from sandy granitic and gneissic to black and brown schists. The different styles of Rivesaltes, such as Grenat, Tuilé, Ambré, and Rosé, showcase the versatility of the region’s fortified sweet wines. Similarly, Banyuls, Muscat de Rivesaltes, and Maury contribute their own distinct expressions to the vast array of Vin Doux Naturels. The ideal climate of Roussillon, characterized by dry, hot summers, mild autumns, and winters, with approximately 2,530 hours of sunlight spread over 316 days per year, creates optimal conditions for grape cultivation.
Fortified Sweet Wines: A Historical Craft
The grape varietals chosen for AOP Vin Doux Naturels play a pivotal role in defining the wine’s flavor profile. Grenache noir and Carignan noir take the spotlight for red and rosé wines, while the white wine assemblage includes Grenache blanc, Grenache gris, Macabeo, Malvoisie du Roussillon, Muscat d’Alexandrie, and Muscat Petits Grains.
The history of Rivesaltes AOP fortified sweet wines traces back to the 13th century when Arnaud de Villanova discovered the mutage process. This process involves adding pure neutral alcohol to the fermenting must, preserving the natural sweetness of the grapes. Fortified sweet wines, whether white, rosé, or red, undergo mutage either in the liquid phase or on the marc, resulting in a unique and diverse range of offerings.
The aged Vin Doux Naturels, especially those labeled Ambré or Tuilé, undergo maturation for at least 36 months, sometimes extending beyond two decades. The oxidative aging process, often in wood or tanks, imparts unique characteristics, and wines labeled “Hors d’Âge” or “Rancio” signify a minimum aging period of five years.
The exceptional variety of Rivesaltes AOP wines offers numerous pairing possibilities. From mixed salads to seafood, white and red meats, and even desserts, each wine complements a specific range of flavors. Whether enjoying a fresh glass of Rivesaltes rosé with seafood or savoring the richness of an aged Rivesaltes Ambré with a decadent dessert, the wines of Rivesaltes are designed to enhance the dining experience.
Student trip to Rivesaltes AOP
Château Dom Brial, nestled in the picturesque Côtes du Roussillon appellation has vineyards in the sun-drenched town of Baixas. The winery showcases grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan. Among their notable offerings is the Muscat de Noël, a sweet wine produced using Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and Muscat of Alexandria grapes, known for their intense floral and citrus aromas. The winemaking process often involves halting fermentation to retain natural sweetness, resulting in a lusciously rich and well-balanced dessert wine. With its golden hue and exquisite bouquet, the Muscat de Noël from Château Dom Brial unfolds on the palate with notes of orange blossom, apricot, honey, and a hint of exotic spices. This opulent nectar is a delightful accompaniment to desserts. It is also symbol of the winery’s dedication to creating wines that capture the essence of the region and joyous moments of the holiday season. Whether sipped on its own or paired with a variety of festive treats, Château Dom Brial’s dessert wines portfolio offers a sensory experience that embodies the warmth and conviviality of the Roussillon terroir.
Domaine Cazes, situated in the historic Roussillon wine region of southern France, has a legacy dating back to its establishment in 1895 by Michel Cazes. Distinguished for its unwavering commitment to biodynamic and organic viticulture, the estate has become a pioneer in sustainable wine production. Nestled in Rivesaltes, the vineyards span a considerable expanse and boast diverse grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan, thriving in the region’s Mediterranean climate. Beyond their reds and whites, Domaine Cazes is particularly renowned for its exceptional fortified wines. Embracing biodynamic principles in winemaking, they produce an exquisite Muscat de Rivesaltes, which exemplifies the aromatic qualities of the Muscat grape. Additionally, the estate crafts notable Vin Doux Naturels made from grenache blanc showcasing the mastery of balancing richness and depth. The Muscat de Rivesaltes stands out as a testament to the estate’s commitment to expressing the terroir of Roussillon through sustainable and innovative winemaking practices, securing Domaine Cazes a well-deserved place in the forefront of the region’s viticultural excellence.
The estates recently hosted an extraordinary event for our batch of aspiring winemakers. Students were treated not only to an exclusive pre-launch tasting of the eagerly awaited 2023 Muscat de Noël, but also had the rare privilege of savoring older vintages that traced back to 1969. The generosity extended to pouring special Grand Crus, a testament to their commitment to nurturing the palates and passion of the next generation of winemakers. This unique experience not only unveiled the evolution of the Muscat grape of the region, but also provided an invaluable lesson in the artistry of aging wines and the heritage of the estate, creating an indelible connection between past and future in the world of Roussillon viticulture.
This unique occasion revealed the evolution of the Muscat grape in the region, and also offered a valuable lesson in the art of ageing wines and the rich heritage of the estates. The day trip played a crucial role in establishing a meaningful connection between the history and future of Roussillon winemaking for our students. The winemaking heritage of Rivesaltes AOP stands as a testament to the region’s commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation. From its diverse terroirs and grape varietals to the meticulous vinification and ageing processes, every sip of Rivesaltes wine is a journey through history and a celebration of the artistry that defines this exceptional winemaking region.
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