Grape varieties: Grenache 30% Grenache Blanc 30% Macabeo 20% Muscat 20%
Vegetarian.
104 grams/litre residual sugar.
16.50%
The terroir of Languedoc-Roussillon is a mix of clay-gravel and granitic schist. The grapes are hand harvested and transported to the winery in small cases to preserve the quality of the grapes. Epoxy-lined concrete tanks are used and high strength (95%abv) grape spirit is added to the partially fermented must. Oak/lees treatment: French oak barrels. The wine is stored in large, French oak barrels for a minimum of 36 months to develop the intense fruit flavours.

The word Rivesaltes comes from Ribas Altas - the high slopes of the Pyrenees. Ambre is literally a wine ambered by oak aging. The vineyards are on the foothills of the Canigou Mountains in Rousillon at the point where the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean meet. Cavé de Abbé Rous works with more than 750 wine-growers making selections from their 1150 hectares for vinification into a variety of wines, but with a strong tradition in fortified wines.

Smells of raisins but also bakeries - perhaps some candied peel. Disappointingly simple in the mouth. There's a gap in the middle where acidity should be.

412 stores

07/10/2008

_________________
mel