RELATIONSHIPS
Even after sweetness is retained, choices remain.
Leave residual sugar and mature according to the style.
Suppress contact with oxygen
Winemaking focused on preserving fruit characteristics.
Oxidative maturation
Incorporate changes caused by contact with oxygen and time.
This is a summary of the relationships explained in the main text. For details on grape composition and production conditions, please refer to the main text and official sources. Sources and reference materials
FIELD NOTE 01
Pyrenees and the Mediterranean
Located on the Mediterranean at the southern tip of France, the region's background includes terrain sloping from mountains to the sea and the Tramontane wind. Factoring in vineyard elevation and proximity to the sea brings more specificity beyond just 'southern.'
FIELD NOTE 02
Vin Doux Naturel
In VDN, mutage (adding alcohol during fermentation) leaves residual sugar. If you interpret 'Naturel' in the name to mean a sweet wine without added alcohol, you are misunderstanding the process.
Varieties like the Grenache group and Muscat are associated with certain appellations and types. Check official names like Banyuls and Rivesaltes for details.
FIELD NOTE 03
Fermentation arrest and maturation are separate choices
Even after retaining sweetness, whether oxygen exposure is suppressed or the wine is matured oxidatively makes a difference. The shared process of mutage alone cannot fully explain differences in aroma and color.
Since there are also dry wines in the region, do not treat all Roussillon wines as VDN.
Incorrect. VDN (Vins Doux Naturels) are sweet wines made by mutage. Read separately the process for preserving sweetness and the subsequent aging method.
PAUSE & REFLECT
Check your understanding.
Does 'Natural' in VDN mean no alcohol is added?
Read the explanation ＋
Incorrect. VDN (Vins Doux Naturels) are sweet wines made by mutage. Read separately the process for preserving sweetness and the subsequent aging method.
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Sources and reference materials
These are the reference materials for the main text. For details of production regulations, consult the current documents. For individual wine specifications, refer to materials for the relevant vintage.
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