Covering 68 villages of the Pyr?n?es-Orientales and nine villages of the Aude, Rivesaltes is the largest appellation for vins doux naturels.
These wines are made using the three main varieties of Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Grenache Noir and Macabeu. Malvoisie and Muscat can also be used in some styles.
Vin doux naturel is made using an addition of neutral grape spirit to stop fermentation early, therefore retaining more of the grape’s residual sugar.
The wines are aged oxidatively developing rancio, nuts and caramel flavors which are balanced by the high acidity of the grapes used. These wines can age for eternity.