Rivesaltes

Rivesaltes is a town located to the north of Pérpignan in the South West corner of the Languedoc. It lends its name to two large appellations, one called simply Rivesaltes, the other Muscat de Rivesaltes, both rather deceptively classified as Vins Doux Naturels, but both fortified by arresting fermentation and therefore technically not 'naturels'. Made from Muscat of Alexandria or Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains, the wines are surprisingly varied in temperament, a lot of which can be attributed to differing ageing regimes. The best will share a grapey freshness with a richness and complexity from the mutage  and extended ageing.