All you need to know about French natural sweet wine

Updated on December 14, 2022

The natural sweet wines are wines with an almost infinite capacity of keeping. It is in the south of France that you can discover them. They are red or white, sweet wines. Zoom in on the methods of production, the appellations, the grape varieties and the food and wine pairing of natural sweet wines.

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How are natural sweet wines made?

The name "natural sweet wines" could be confusing because some people think that these wines are more "natural" in their production process. However, these wines are made according to traditional French methods. The only difference is in the fermentation process. Indeed, we add to the grape juice an alcohol at 90°. This is called brandy. When this strong alcohol is added, the wines are said to be "mutated".

This "mutage" increases the alcohol content. This stops the action of the yeasts and keeps a certain amount of sugar in the wine. It is said to be a "sweet" wine because of its sweetness. After the mutage, the wines are kept away from the air in order to preserve the fruit aromas present. It is called natural because no product is added to flavor the wine.

It is important to know that natural sweet wines should be consumed in moderation. Indeed, they are much more alcoholic than normal wines. Their alcohol content is between 15° and 21.5°.

The invention of natural sweet wines dates back to the 13th century. When Arnaud de Vilanova from Roussillon succeeded in creating wines rich in both alcohol and sugar.The Languedoc-Roussillon regionThe Roussillon region is therefore the cradle of these wines. It still ensures today more than 95% of the production of natural sweet wines.

The appellations

Several regions of France produce natural sweet wines. These wines are obtained in Languedoc-Roussillon, more particularly in the Pyrenees Orientales. But also in Corsica and in the Rhone valley. TheMuscat-de-Rivesaltes andBanyulsare the most famous appellations.

• Languedoc-Roussillon: in this region, the AOC Muscat (of Lunel, Frontignan, Mireval and Saint-Jean de Minervois) is produced,Clairette du LanguedocBanyuls, Banyuls Grand Cru,Mauryor Muscat de Rivesaltes.
• Rhone Valley: there are two appellations of natural sweet wine in this region: the AOC Muscat de Beaumes-de-VeniseandRasteau.
• Corsica: the appellation Muscat du Cap-Corse and Muscat de Corse are produced.

The different grape varieties

Languedoc produces natural sweet wines, mainly from Muscat. Only four grape varieties are used to make these wines: Muscat, Grenache (white, black and grey), Malvoisie and Macabeu (for red wines). These grape varieties give the wines tertiary aromas of light tobacco, leather, coffee and cocoa.

Food and wine pairing

This wine goes perfectly with dark chocolate desserts such as chocolate mousse, chocolate cake or chocolate fondant. However, the chocolate must be low in sugar and high in cocoa.

Natural sweet wines can also be enjoyed as an aperitif as well as with foie gras, cheeses and even spicy Asian cuisine! This wine is best when it is not served too cold, this allows to keep all its precious aromas!