Muscat de Rivesaltes

A favorite of the papal court of Avignon, this wine is a sweet fortified Vin Doux Naturel from the Roussillon region. The production area is found in the vast Rivesaltes AOCs, where it overlaps the Aude department and some of the lower vineyards of the Pyrénées Orientales. It's made with the noble Muscat blanc, or with the less sophisticated — and less lavish - Muscat of Alexandria.

However, the wine offers great entry-level value for those who want a cheaper label that incorporates VDN's hallmarks. It follows the intoxicating, witty character of other Languedoc muscats such as Lunel, Mireval and Frontignan, harmonizing a smooth sweetness with sharp acidity, light citrus and white blossom aromas and an ample finish.