Rivesalte’s “Ambré” is made from 100% Grenache Blanc, which is sourced from the property’s biodynamically grown vineyards. The subsoil consists of clayey and calcareous layers, mixed with crumbling shale and classic round deposit stones. The climate is warm, but with good cooling from the sea – all perfect conditions for growing e.g. Grenache Blanc. The vines that produce the grapes for this wine are over 50 years old.
The grapes are pressed immediately after arrival in the cellar, and fermentation begins spontaneously with the grapes’ own yeast. Addition of the brandy takes place in the middle of the process, and the wine is then moved to hundred-year-old “foudres” (large wooden casks of 20-30 hl.), where it matures for 15 years. Evaporation is 7% per year, and the wine therefore achieves an impressive concentration. Bottling takes place after natural sedimentation and without filtration. The wine is then stored cool.
The wine has a nice, dark amber color. Despite the 15 years of maturation, the aroma has an incredibly good bite with nuances of peach, pickled pineapple, orange, roasted almonds and a bit of licorice. The taste is also quite “young”, with tones of walnuts, dried apricots, pickled ginger, leather and a bit of “rancio”. It ends with good freshness and tannin. Quite impressive for such an old wine! Try it for fried foie gras, for exotic chicken or pork dishes (e.g. with ginger or curry), pies with nuts (almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts), crème brûlée or blue cheese. Should be served chilled but not ice cold.
