About the Wine

Rivesaltes is one of the great sweet wines of the world. Produced in the Languedoc Roussillon region of SW France, these wines live for decades since they are fortified. They can be produced from both white and red grapes, although Grenache Noir, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Muscat, Macabeu, and Malvasia prevail in the region. The wines are sweetened only with the natural grape sugars present at harvest. For this reason, they are called Vin Doux Naturel.

If you haven't tried Philippe Gayral's wines yet, now's the perfect time. Philippe, a knowledgeable figure who used to run a prominent co-op in Roussillon, has a great network of connections with local wineries, especially in Banyuls, Maury, and Rivesaltes. These appellations are famous for their sweet, fortified wines called Vins doux Naturels. Wines that, after aging for years, even decades, in barrels and bottles, they become incredibly complex.

Philippe discovered hidden treasures—old vintages from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s—in many wineries. His mission is clear: rescue these forgotten wines and introduce them to wine lovers in the 21st century. Philippe finds, bottles, and shares these gems. Some wineries proudly participate, while others prefer to remain anonymous. In such cases, Philippe bottles the wine under the L'Archiviste label.

These special wines make fantastic birth year gifts. Imagine drinking a wine born in the same year as you! But, they are also a perfect way to travel in time. These wines are like time capsules from another era. If you listen and taste carefully, these wines often have amazing stories to tell.

Aging: The first 3 years in underground concrete tanks and then for 37 years in foudres.

Tasting Notes: Grenache / Garnacha, Grenache Blanc, Macabeo.
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.

Reviews

Fine-boned with preserved lemons and candied citrus peel on the nose, the palate has a lightly dusty pithiness that makes it ethereal and delicate. Bursting with marmalade and citrus rind tones on the palate, the earthiness of dried fig offers some rounded richness. Light on its feet and easy to drink, this can be enjoyed on its own or with lighter desserts and cheese. ~ 92 Thomas Parker MW, Farr Vintners. 

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