Rivesaltes
Rivesaltes: birthplace of the AOC and natural sweet wines
Rivesaltes gives its name to an AOC recognised since 1972 (and designations from 1936), dedicated to natural sweet wines (VDN). The appellation area covers 86 communes in the Pyrénées-Orientales and 9 in Aude, on varied soils: granitic sands, schists, clay-limestone and rocky terraces, between the Mediterranean Sea, Albères and Canigou.
Emblematic grape varieties are Grenache (noir, blanc, gris), Macabeu, Malvoisie du Roussillon and Muscats. Rivesaltes wines come in Grenat (ruby, red fruits), Ambré (hazelnut, almond, walnut), Tuilé (coffee, chocolate) and Rosé, with “Hors d’âge” or “Rancio” for extended ageing.
Wine tourism in Rivesaltes lets you discover estates and cellars that perpetuate this unique know-how. VDN tastings, cellar visits and meetings with winemakers offer a dive into a terroir where tradition and quality go hand in hand.