The vineyards of Roussillon are exposed to demanding weather: this is the ultimate Mediterranean climate with its hot summers, its mild autumns and winters and its rainfall concentrated in autumn and spring.
Every other day, the region is buffeted primarily by the Tramontane, a dry northerly wind which promotes outstandingly healthy fruit and reduces the need for plant protection products.
The soils are marked by the uplift of the Pyrenees which has shaped its landform and given rise to myriad vineyard sites with distinctive characteristics. The diversity here is unparalleled.
MUSCAT DE RIVESALTES :
RIVESALTES AMBRÉ :
RIVESALTES TUILÉ :
Dessert wine or ‘vin doux naturel’ is made through fortification during alcoholic fermentation – as the must ferments, ethyl alcohol is added to arrest fermentation thereby preserving residual sugar and fruitiness, while increasing alcoholic strength to varying degrees.
Muscat de Rivesaltes : Muscat d’Alexandrie is a powerful, intense grape variety that produces full wines showing aromas of ripe fruits, fresh grape and rose. The delicate, fresh Muscat à petits grains variety imparts perfumes of tropical fruits and citrus. Young Muscat is a pale gold colour with aromas recalling peach, lemon, mango and mint. After a few years, its hue takes on deep gold reflections and its aromas evolve into honey and candied apricot notes.
Rivesaltes Ambrés : These are complex wines driven by notes of candied orange, gingerbread, dried fruits, caramel and sweet spices.
Rivesaltes Tuilés : Intense wines showing toast, cacao, coffee, tobacco and candied fruit notes of prune and fig for example.
