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).
Grenache noir is a grape variety that originated in Spain. It produces a variety of grape specially used for the elaboration of wine. It is rare to find this grape to eat on our tables. This variety of grape is characterized by medium to large bunches, and grapes of medium size. Grenache noir can be found in many vineyards: South West, Cognac, Bordeaux, Provence & Corsica, Languedoc & Roussillon, Rhone Valley, Loire Valley, Savoie & Bugey, Beaujolais.
wines from the region of Rivesaltes go well with generally quite well with dishes of spicy food, sweet desserts or beef such as recipes of moroccan kefta balls, very simple muffins or barbecued prime rib with coarse salt.
