Vin Doux Naturel – Fruity wine styles

Muscat

The fruity Muscats can often be bottled as early as January 15 of the year following the harvest. The Muscat de Noël must be bottled no later than 1 December of the crop year. The young wine shows fresh, fruity aromas which are dominated by aromas of muscat grapes and orange blossoms, sometimes highlighted by hints of lemon, mango, mint, peach or exotic fruits. In the mature state, after a longer period of storage, when the wine is already light amber, develop aromas of honey and pickled apricot. In seven appellations, Vin Doux Naturel is produced by Muscat grapes. In the areas of Frontignan, Lunel, Mireval,  Saint-Jean-de-Minervois and Cap Corse, only Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is used. The Muscat de Rivesaltes may also contain Muscat d’Alexandrie in addition to this variety. In Beaumes-de-Venise, Muscat à Petits Grains can be used in both white and red varieties.

Serving temperature 8 ° – 12 ° C

Vin Doux Naturel Blanc

White, fruity Vin Doux Naturel Blanc can be found in Banyuls, Grand Roussillon, Maury and Rasteau. Grenache Gris and Grenache Blanc are the main grape varieties for the Rasteau Blanc. In the other appellations additionally Macabeu and Tourbat may be used. In addition, there are a number of different, local accessory grape varities in all areas. The wines have aromas of white flowers, and fruits, citrus fruits and sometimes honey notes. They are reductively vinified until at least 1 May of the first year after harvest, of which at least three months in the bottle.

Serving temperature 8 ° – 12 ° C

Vin Doux Naturel rosé

The Vin Doux Naturel rosé are also reductively vinified, but bottling takes place no later than 31 December of the harvest year. This variant is produced in Banyuls, Grand Roussillon, Rivesaltes and Rasteau. The wines are light, fresh and fruity, with aromas of red fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, currants, cherries and pomegranates. In all appellations Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris and Grenache Blanc belong to the main grape varieties. In addition, Macabeu and Tourbat may be used in the appellations of Roussillon.

Serving temperature 6 ° – 10 ° C

Vin Doux Naturel Grenat

In Maury, Rivesaltes and Rasteau the red, fruity Vin Doux Naturel are called Grenat, but in Banyuls Rimage or Rimage Mise Tardive. These wines may only use Grenache Noir as the main grape variety, but different proportions are prescribedrequested. In Rivesaltes 100% Grenache Noir must be used, in Banyuls 90%, in Maury 75% and in Rasteau about two-thirds. These wines are also vinified without contact with air and can be bottled at the earliest after the 1st of May, the year following the harvest. The predominant aromas of these intense red wines are those of red fruits such as cherry, blackcurrant, raspberry and blackberry. These wines are always labelled with its vintage. Banyuls Rimage Mise Tardive is only produced in particularly good vintages. The maturation takes place under exclusion of air in fully filled barrels or barriques for one to three years.

Serving temperature 12 ° – 13 ° C

Learn more about Wine growing regions, Viticulture, Vinification, Grape varieties, Fruity Wine Styles and Wine Styles of Vin Doux Naturel.