Rivesaltes AOC
vin doux naturel |
Rivesaltes (
The Rivesaltes AOC designation of origin has been protected by
Grapes and styles
Rivesaltes AOC wines are similar to
The main grapes used for white Rivesaltes wines are
Styles can be labeled ambré (amber), grenat (garnet), tuilé (tiled), or
Rivesaltes style requirements:[2]
- Rivesaltes grenat: The must is macerated for all or part of fermentation. It must have 75 percent Grenache noir and storage in an oxidative environment for a 12-month minimum, including 3 months in bottles.
- Rivesaltes ambré: The must is separated from the pulp before fermentation. It must age in an oxidative environment for a 2-year minimum.
- Rivesaltes tuilé: Red wine with at least 50 percent Grenache noir, aged in an oxidative environment for a 2-year minimum.
- Rivesaltes hors d'âge: Rivesaltes ambré or tuilé aged for 5 years.
- Rivesaltes rancio: Wines which, depending on aging conditions, have acquired a "rancio]" taste.
Consumption, flavor, and aromas
Rivesaltes often has aromas and flavors of raisins and other dried fruit, nuts, smoke, resin,[4] chocolate, and caramel, browned sugar or molasses.[5] Rivesaltes made with white grapes can gain aromas of vanilla, baked cherries, and honey.[1] Rivesaltes, especially Rivesaltes rancio, has an aged, umami, bitter quality found in aged cognac, armagnac, and whisky, called rancio.[6] Due to the winemaking process, Rivesaltes is relatively shelf-stable when open, and can remain at room-temperature for several days without losing quality.[4]
According to prominent
Rivesaltes can have an affordable price, sometimes less than €10 (about $13 USD) a bottle. Some of these, especially the related
Rivesaltes is typically served slightly chilled.[5]
Geography
Rivesaltes is made in the
The region has about 5,200 ha (13,000 acres). It is predominantly located over a large portion of the
Rivesaltes AOC has a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers. Rain averages 500–600 mm (20–24 in) annually, spread over few days in spring and fall. The region has about 300 days or 2,555 hours of sunshine each year, called the sunniest in France.[9][2] It is affected every third day by the Tramontane breeze from the northwest, which dries the region's grapevines,[10] and the rest of the time by sea winds.[2]
Winemaking
The production process, known in France as
While the similar Banyuls and Maury are typically high-quality, Rivesaltes is made in a wide variety of styles, depending on terroir and winemaker skills and preference.[7] Rivesaltes traditionally was made by larger professional wineries and cooperatives, while Banyuls and Maury tended to be made by amateur winemakers but in a more artisanal fashion.[7]
History
Rivesaltes AOC was created in 1936. In 1972, a new Rivesaltes AOC was created, combining Rivesaltes, Côtes d'Agly, and Côtes de haut Roussillon.[11]
By the 2020s,
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g "Rivesaltes". avis-vin.lefigaro.fr.
- ^ a b c d e "Fiche produit".
- ^ "Décret n° 2011-479 du 2 mai 2011 relatif à l'appellation d'origine contrôlée « Rivesaltes » - Légifrance". www.legifrance.gouv.fr.
- ^ a b c "This French Fortified Wine Is Left Outside for a Year". Atlas Obscura.
- ^ a b "Rivesaltes: A Complicated Wine to Explain, an Easy Wine to Drink". The Daily Meal. March 5, 2013.
- ^ Passmore, Nick. "A Unique French Wine The Best English Cheese". Forbes.
- ^ a b c "Rescuing Memories: Philippe Gayral's Vins Doux Naturels". Vinous. 10 October 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
- ^ Pfanner, Eric (September 14, 2012). "Learning Again to Savor Sweet Wine (Published 2012)". The New York Times.
- ^ a b "How climate change is souring French winemakers' 2020 harvest". The Local. 15 August 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
- ^ a b Ledsom, Alex. "How Climate Change Is Altering Your Favourite Glass Of Wine". Forbes.
- ^ "Fiche produit". www.inao.gouv.fr.
External links
- Media related to Rivesaltes VDN at Wikimedia Commons