Some names carry an entire history within them. Arnaud de Villeneuve, a 13th-century Catalan physician and philosopher, is the man credited with discovering mutage, the process of stopping grape must fermentation by adding alcohol, thereby creating the famous vins doux naturels that have made Roussillon's reputation. It is in his honour that this major cooperative winery in Rivesaltes chose its name.
History / Heritage
The Arnaud de Villeneuve cooperative was born from the gradual merger of three historic cooperatives: those of Salses-le-Château (founded in 1909), Rivesaltes (1932), and Pézilla-la-Rivière (1935). The union took the definitive name Arnaud de Villeneuve in 2007, bringing together all their resources into a single entity at the confluence of the Rivesaltais vineyards. Today, the cooperative counts more than 350 winegrowers who farm over 2,500 hectares spread across 26 municipalities in the Pyrénées-Orientales.
The Terroir
The Arnaud de Villeneuve vineyard covers a wide diversity of soils at the heart of Roussillon. The low-altitude plateaux of Pia host the mainstream grape varieties (Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet). The mid-altitude clay-limestone hillsides, lean and iron-rich, are the preferred domain of Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Carignan for the reds, and Roussanne and Muscat à Petits Grains for the whites. The drier schist terroirs are perfectly suited to Grenache Noir vinified as a vin doux naturel. The entire vineyard benefits from exceptional sunshine and a purifying tramontane wind.
Viticulture and Winemaking
All of the Arnaud de Villeneuve winegrowers work according to the Sustainable Development charter. More than 125 hectares are certified organic. The wines are crafted by selecting the finest parcels (plot-by-plot vinification), allowing the characteristics of each terroir to be expressed at their best. In the cellar, particular attention is given to the vins doux naturels: the Rivesaltes Ambrés and Tuilés are aged in an oxidative environment, in large oak casks or demi-muids, sometimes for many years. The cooperative preserves a unique collection of old Rivesaltes Ambré vintages dating back to 1936.
Wines / Key Cuvées
The Muscat de Rivesaltes is the most sought-after cuvée among enthusiasts: floral freshness, aromas of apricot and orange blossom, and well-controlled sweetness. The Rivesaltes Ambré 5 Years Old is the house's great signature: a mahogany robe, aromas of verbena, candied orange peel, and spices, with a broad and lingering palate. The Côtes du Roussillon Villages, blended primarily around Grenache Noir and Syrah, offer characterful reds with beautiful dark fruits, garrigue notes, and a dry yet elegant tannic structure.
Arnaud de Villeneuve perpetuates the mutage gesture invented by its illustrious namesake: stopping time in a bottle, so that the fruit and sunshine of Roussillon may live there forever.
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