Rivesaltes

Appears in
Oxford Companion to Wine

By Jancis Robinson

Published 2006

  • About

Rivesaltes, town north of Perpignan in southern France that gives its name to two of the biggest appellations of roussillon, Rivesaltes and Muscat de Rivesaltes, both of them vins doux naturels. Muscat de Rivesaltes, which represents about 70% of France’s total Muscat production, can in fact be produced throughout most of Roussillon’s recognized wine-producing area, together even with some sections of the Aude département to the north (including much of the fitou appellation). The Rivesaltes production zone is similarly generous but specifically excludes those vineyards that produce banyuls. In 2012 a total of 2,946 ha/7,277 acres were dedicated to the production of strong, sweet Rivesaltes in its many colours and styles.