The best wines from Roussillon in France

The hot vineyards of Roussillon are located in the southwest of France. At the foot of the Pyrenees and on the Mediterranean Sea. Inland, sun-drenched dry red wines are made. The hottest vineyards right on the coast are reserved for the famous sweet red wines from Banyuls, Maury and Rivesaltes.

Roussillon is often mentioned in the same breath as the neighbouring Languedoc. Together they go through life as 'le Midi'. But when it comes to wine, there are important differences.

Just like in the Languedoc, a lot of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre have been planted in Roussillon in recent years. They are mainly marketed as a cuvée under the Côtes de Roussillon appellation. In the hilly north, the vineyards offer prospects for higher quality. Several municipalities are allowed to put AOC Côtes de Roussillon Village on their labels.

Rivesaltes, Maury and Banyuls

The most interesting wine from Roussillon is the sweet red Vin Doux Naturel. It is made from grapes from the hottest vineyards, right on the coast. The Grenache Noir is the backbone for the sweet red wine from Roussillon. The grapes are picked late, so that they develop a lot of sugar in the hot sun. During fermentation, this sugar is converted into alcohol. But before this process ends (usually at 15% alcohol), the winemakers add some pure wine alcohol. Fermentation stops when not all the sugar has been converted into alcohol and that is why the wine tastes sweet.

The wine is then put into large wooden barrels. They are placed outside, in all weather conditions and in the blazing sun. The veins of the wood allow oxygen to reach the wine, which oxidizes slightly. The taste becomes riper, and the wine can therefore be stored for a very long time.

The Vin Doux Naturel from Roussillon comes in three appellations: Banyuls, Maury and Rivesaltes. When young, they have a scent of figs and candied red fruit. At a later age (after about 10 years) they are much riper, with a taste of farm boys, plums and apricots. No other wine goes so well with a chocolate dessert as a bottle of Banyuls.