Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Vin Doux Naturel > Rivesaltes |
Type | Fortified |
Drink 2014-2030
Very old monastery in the Pyrenees which stopped producing VDN 25 years ago. Bottled in 2013. Incredibly dark fox red with an orange rim. Very bright. Smells of toffee and 65-70% Grenache Noir with pale Grenache mainly. Hint of rancio and firm treacly finish. Finishes a little suddenly. Good freshness. Not at all heavy. Finishes quite dry in fact. 18%
Burnt molasses nose, terrific richness, spicy almost dry finish.
One of the most extraordinary tastings recently has been of 19 Rivesaltes Vin Doux Naturels from 2000 to 1933. These naturally sweet fortified wines from 16% to 17.5% abv, were unearthed by Montpellier based oenologue Philippe Gayral. They are still in cask, to be bottled under his brand L'Archiviste. In 1950, 60 million litres of Rivesaltes VDN were drunk in France; today just 1 million. Soon they will cease to exist. One or two bottles are a must for every cellar.