Rivesaltes is an appellation for the historic Sweet wines of eastern Roussillon, in the DeepSouth of France. The natural sweet wines produced in this region have been revered since at least the 14th century. The technique used to make them is one of many techniques used for sweet wines. Unlike botrytized wines or ice wines, natural sweet wines are made by Mutage, a process that involves stopping the Fermentation of the must while a high level of natural sweetness remains.
With their high levels of residual sugar (at least 100 g/l) and Alcohol (between 15 and 17% ABV), these wines are sweet and relatively viscous. Understandably, Rivesaltes wines are often confused with Muscat de Rivesaltes wines, which are similar in style and come from the same region. The main difference is that Muscat de Rivesaltes is made from Muscat Grapes, whereas Rivesaltes is made from Grenache in all three forms (Black, White and Grey). Rivesaltes wines are produced in several forms, which are Distinguished by their colours (the result of the grape varieties and the ageing processes used to make them).
natural sweet wines from the region of Rivesaltes go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, lamb or spicy food such as recipes of pork chops with potatoes, blanquette of lamb or coconut chicken à la bellevilloise.
On the nose in the region of Rivesaltes often reveals types of flavors of cherry, tobacco or licorice and sometimes also flavors of dark chocolate, raspberry or raisin. In the mouth in the region of Rivesaltes is a powerful with a good balance between acidity and sweetness.
