Dom. Fontanel 2011 Rivesaltes Ambré (sweet)

Do you enjoy discovering and sharing obscure wines from around the globe? Then we are friends in wine, and this one will be our bonding moment.

So what is this, this Rivesaltes Ambré??

It's a dessert wine, first and foremost. One that is crafted from 60 year-old Grenache Blanc vines and blended with Grenache Gris and Muscat - three white wine varietals that are known for their big, aromatic personalities.

The classic rancio nose (the nutty characteristic of a Sherry) leads the taster off at the Amontillado exit, but the first sip jerks the wheel and redirects them down the path of roasted nuts and carmelized citrus peel, evoking a smile once they discover this is a cat of a very different color, something of its very own hue.

Clasically, this wine is served with nuts and fruits (fresh, dried or baked) and you'd be well pleased with such a pairing. But I also find its higher alcohol (16%+) and nutty sweetness provide the perfect foil to a wide variety of fine chocolates. Despite all the false hoopla about red wines and chocolate, try this and I daresay you'll never go back.

The Region, The Process

Rivesaltes is a town in the south of France, located in the eastern Rousillon area. It is known primarily for its sweet wines, of which this is one of five types - Rosé, Grenat, Ambré, Tuilé and Hors d'Age (a subset of Ambré and Tuilé). Ambré must see a minimum of two years of oxidative ageing, resulting in a deep golden hue upon bottling that develops deeper color with bottle age. A cult classic!