Do you enjoy
discovering and sharing obscure wines from around the globe?
Then we are friends in wine, and this one will be our bonding
moment.
So what is this,
this Rivesaltes Ambré??
It's a dessert
wine, first and foremost. One that is crafted from 60 year-old Grenache Blanc vines and blended
with Grenache Gris and Muscat.
The classic
rancio nose (the nutty characteristic of a Sherry) leads one down
the Amontillado exit, but the first sip jerks the wheel and
redirects the taster down the path of roasted nuts and carmelized
citrus peel. Clasically, this wine is served with nuts and
fruits (fresh, dried or baked) and you'd be well pleased with such
a pairing. But I also find its higher alcohol (16%+) and nutty sweetness provide the perfect foil to a wide variety of fine
chocolates. And as you likely know if you've ever tried pairing
wine and chocolate, finding a perfect match is not as easy as one
might think!
The Region, The Process
Rivesaltes is a
town in the south of France, located in the eastern Rousillon area.
It is known primarily for its sweet wines, of which this is
one of five types - Rosé, Grenat, Ambré, Tuilé and Hors
d'Age (a subset of Ambré
and Tuilé).
Ambré
must see a minimum of two years of oxidative ageing, resulting in a
deep golden hue upon bottling that develops deeper color with
bottle age.
