Domaine Cazes, founded in 1895, is one of the oldest and most famous producers of Rivesaltes wines from the eponymously named Rivesaltes AOC in Roussillon. Rivesaltes, officially a "vin doux naturel," is in fact a fortified dessert wine that can be made from any combination of Grenache Blanc, Noir, and Gris, Macabéo, and to a much lesser extent Torbato (here called Malvoisie du Roussillon), as well as Muscat. Rivesaltes may taste of raisins, coffee, chocolate, fruits, or nuts and the most concentrated can, like Banyuls, be some of the few wines that happily partner with chocolate. John Gilman writes that "Domaine Cazes is one of the greatest producers of sweet wines that I have ever had the pleasure to come across...these are utterly distinct and unique wines of brilliant complexity and character, and though they may not be as well known in the wine world at large as their superb quality deserves, they are truly some of the wine world's greatest treasures."
This selection comes directly from the domaine in June 2021. Fortified on August 30, 1932, moved to age in a foudre on April 7, 1933, bottled on January 6, 2012. 587 bottles produced. 17,5% alcohol. 100% Grenache Blanc. Aged 8 decades in its original vat. This Rivesaltes has hints of oak ageing with notes of fig, beeswax, dried apricot and rancio on the nose. This is a complex and elegant wine, slightly floral on the palate, suave and delicate with wonderful balance and length.
Product SKU | 339644 |
Producer | Cazes |
Country | France |
Region | Languedoc-Roussillon |
SubRegion | Banyuls/Rivesaltes |
Varietal | Other White Blends |
Vintage | 1932 |
Size | 750ml |
Color | Other |
Blend | Grenache Blanc |
ABV | 17.5% |
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