Rivesaltes Ambré 2002, Arnaud de Villeneuve
DESCRIPTION
History
Since 1909, the Arnaud de Villeneuve cooperative house has brought together 170 passionate winemakers. Certified as Vignerons Engagés, it promotes sustainable viticulture on the northern Roussillon terroirs, with red and limestone soils renowned for giving natural sweet wines depth and character. This 2002 vintage Rivesaltes ambré reflects both this heritage and the soul of the Mediterranean terroirs.
Vinification
Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, and Macabeu: a classic trio from the Rivesaltes region. The must is fortified (mutage), then aged for a long time in tanks, large casks, and barrels. Time works its magic, revealing the oxidative richness typical of aged Rivesaltes ambrés, with a remarkable balance between freshness and complexity.
Tasting Notes
The amber color with orange highlights announces a nose of apricot and candied orange, dates, and tobacco. The palate, fresh and full-bodied, unfolds flavors of gingerbread and dried fig, accented by a subtle hint of rancio. Perfect with foie gras, orange cakes, or honey pastries. 92 points from Gilbert & Gaillard, 2 stars in the Guide Hachette 2023, and a Gold Medal at the Grenaches du Monde.
Since 1909, the Arnaud de Villeneuve cooperative house has brought together 170 passionate winemakers. Certified as Vignerons Engagés, it promotes sustainable viticulture on the northern Roussillon terroirs, with red and limestone soils renowned for giving natural sweet wines depth and character. This 2002 vintage Rivesaltes ambré reflects both this heritage and the soul of the Mediterranean terroirs.
Vinification
Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, and Macabeu: a classic trio from the Rivesaltes region. The must is fortified (mutage), then aged for a long time in tanks, large casks, and barrels. Time works its magic, revealing the oxidative richness typical of aged Rivesaltes ambrés, with a remarkable balance between freshness and complexity.
Tasting Notes
The amber color with orange highlights announces a nose of apricot and candied orange, dates, and tobacco. The palate, fresh and full-bodied, unfolds flavors of gingerbread and dried fig, accented by a subtle hint of rancio. Perfect with foie gras, orange cakes, or honey pastries. 92 points from Gilbert & Gaillard, 2 stars in the Guide Hachette 2023, and a Gold Medal at the Grenaches du Monde.
Region
Roussillon
Le Rivesaltes est l’un des grands vins doux naturels du Roussillon. Issu principalement de Grenache, Macabeu et Malvoisie, il se décline en styles ambrés, tuilés, grenats ou rosés. Vieillis longuement, les vieux Rivesaltes révèlent des arômes uniques de fruits confits, de noix et de rancio, cette note oxydative recherchée par les amateurs. À leurs côtés, le Muscat de Rivesaltes qui dispose de son AOC propre depuis 1956, propose une autre facette tout en fraîcheur et en parfums de raisin, d’agrumes et de fleurs blanches. Ensemble, ils composent un patrimoine viticole rare, parfait pour les amateurs de vins de garde et de millésimes historiques.
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Twenty years of aging have shaped this Rivesaltes with rare elegance – this delicate amber natural sweet wine, with its notes of candied apricot, reflects a perfect balance between youth and maturity.
Rivesaltes Ambré 2002 Arnaud de Villeneuve, 20 years old – Vinodelice