Fortified Wine
Don't turn away, these will blow your mind! Vins Doux Naturels (VDN): naturally sweet wine. In the 13th century, the process of mutage (adding spirit to the wine must to kill the yeast, stop fermentation and preserve sweetness) was invented in the Languedoc, hundreds of years before port wines were made. These wines are luscious with cheeses and desserts. Expand your palate into a new, delectable realm.
Wines marked below with the green leaf symbol are certified organic by the European Union.
AOP Banyuls
90% Grenache, 10% Carignan
Deep red, lusciously scented with blackberries and raspberries, maraschino, marzipan, mint, rosemary, candied red fruits, and sweet spices. The luscious flavors are grounded in notes of bitter chocolate and brown spices which add further charm to the long, soothing yet stimulating finish of a seductive treat.
AOC Muscat of St Jean de Minervois
100% Muscat Petit Grains
This naturally sweet wine is very distinctive with a rich and flattering floral nose and lots of mineral freshness and bright color. A smooth, very voluptuous, pineapple filled palate leads into a refreshing finish.
AOP Rivesaltes Ambré
100% Grenache Blanc (White Grenache)
A naturally sweet wine that spent 7 years in oak barrels! The nose reveals notes of blood orange and candied chestnuts, a very complex and delicate bouquet. The palate is ample with notes of white chocolate and apricot.
AOP VDN Rivesaltes Rancio
100% Grenache Gris
This rich and complex naturally sweet wine (vin doux naturel) is made from the rare Gray Grenache grape, and after vinification is aged a minimum of 7 years ‘Rancio’ style, partially exposed to the air, before bottling. The nose is enticing with scents of grilled nuts, plump prunes and exotic spices like cinnamon, cloves and toasted nutmeg. The long and silky mouth is rich with flavors of caramel, cashew nuts, cocoa, dried figs and a touch of bitter almond. This ‘Rancio’ is luscious with its silky, soft tannins and aromatic complexity accompanied by the perfect amount of natural grape sweetness and fresh lift on the long finish.
