France is home to many dynamic wine appellations such as Bordeaux and Champagne. But if you’re new-ish to wine, you might not be too familiar with Roussillon, another one of France’s wine treasures.
Known for producing elegant, full-bodied wine, Roussillon is an appellation nestled in the south of France near the Spanish border. Its wine growing legacy goes back to the 13th century — committed to organic farming, the region produces wine with varieties like Syrah and Mourvèdre. However, the reigning grape variety in the Roussillon region is Grenache. So much so, that you’ll find winemakers growing three types of Grenache: noir, blanc, and gris. And while the region produces lovely dry wines, their fortified sweet wines, known as vin doux naturel, are legendary.
So what are vin doux naturel wines or fortified wines? Simply put, they’re French sweet wines. Vin doux naturel wines start off like all other wines: the grapes are harvested, pressed, and fermented. But fortified wines undergo another process called mutage. A neutral grape spirit is added to the wine during the alcoholic fermentation to preserve some of the grapes’ natural sweetness. Fortified wines naturally obtain an increased amount of alcohol, giving it a much longer shelf life.
Styles may vary, but vin doux naturel wines are largely produced from muscat blanc à petits grains, muscat of Alexandria, or grenache varieties. Great food pairings include intense cheeses, like Bleu d’Auvergne or a creamy vanilla ice cream. Another interesting way to enjoy fortified wines is by using them in cocktails. Now, I know there are some that would scoff at the idea of mixing wines in a cocktail, but you should enjoy your wine how you want. Adding them to fun cocktails allows you to experience them in unique ways. To get you started, check out these fortified wines and cocktail recipes!
2017 Château Les Pines: Muscat De Rivesaltes
With beautiful floral aromas, Chateau Les Pines is produced with 70% Muscat à Petits Grains and 30% Muscat d’Alexandrie. With very little to no oxidation, the fruit notes are brighter and fresh. On the palate, you’ll get notes of citrus and sweet notes of honey. If you want to try it in a cocktail, think punchy and upfront cocktails with fresh, spicy, fruity and floral notes. Serve chilled or try in a cocktail.
1.5 oz. of young non-oxidized VDN white or rosé: Muscat de Rivesaltes, Maury ite, Banyulste, Rivesaltes Rosé, or Banyuls Rosé
2 slice Fresh Ginger
2.5 oz. Melon Puree
8 fresh basil leaves
Garnish: One basil leaf and one melon wedge
Muddle fresh ginger, add all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice, shake and double strain into a frozen martini glass.
Terrassous Rivesaltes: Hors D’Age
Produced with Grenache, this wine is aged for a minimum of six years and oxidized, so instead of fresh grapes, think raisins. Though it’s sweet, there’s enough acidity to balance the flavors. With aromas of vanilla and chocolate, Terrassous Rivesaltes Hors D’Age is a bit richer than other Rivesaltes made with Muscat. Serve chilled or in a cocktail.
1.5 oz of older oxidized VDN Hors d’Age: Rivesaltes Ambré
2 tsp. of mangalore liqueur
2 tsp. of old Rum (7 years old)
2 tsp. of pineapple juice
Garnish: 1 mango slice, 1 green apple
Shake all the ingredients and pour into glass. Arrange a small slice of mango and a fan of apple slices at the top of a wooden stick, put inside the glass and add a colored straw.
2011 Maury Grenat: La Preceptorie
Made 100% with Grenache Noir, Maury Grenat La Preceptorie is extremely rich and aromatic. This red fortified wine pairs well with chocolate or sweet red berries.
1 oz. of young non-oxidized red VDN Grenat/Rimage: Banyuls Rimage, Maury Grenat, or Rivesaltes Grenat
1 oz. Gin
.5 oz. Chambord
1 oz. Raspberry juice
2 dashes Absinthe, Pomegranate juice or VDN Grenat
Garnish: Lemon Twist
Shake all the ingredients with ice and fine strain into a frozen martini glass, top up with Pomegranate juice.
