1998 Domaine Fontanel Rivesaltes Ambré

Who needs Sauternes when you can have aged Rivesaltes for so much less money and fuss? The 1998 from Domaine Fontanel is simply delicious, with a complex flavor profile that stretches from dried fruits (raisin, date) to maple, and hazelnut. It has a delicate weave of acidity that cleanses the palate; though sweet it is not cloying at all. Amazing with a variety of cheeses - I recently served it with a trio of cheeses for dessert: creamy Camembert, hard aged Mancheho, and semi-soft aged smoked cheddar. Though the Camembert was the winner for me, each cheese brought out something different and unique in the wine and vice versa; my guests were in heaven.

Unfortunately Rivesaltes has been a bit obscured lately by the brightness of the other dessert wines of France (Sauternes & Co), but it is so rich and complex, so full of caramel and spices and honeyed-roasted-almond flavors, that it just about blew everybody’s mind at our staff tasting. If you would like to really impress your friends with your cool finesse and knowledge of wine, pair this delicious wine, slightly chilled, at the end of your meal with some hard cheese from either Spain (this area of France was, until 1659 part of the Catalan Kingdom) or France, and just bask in your success. Plus, a wine like this means you won’t have to worry about making dessert!