Banyuls, Maury & Rivesaltes

A Guide to what to eat with the Sweet Wines of the Roussillon

A visit to the Pyrénées-Orientales (also known as Roussillon) could not be complete without tasting one of the exquisite sweet wines (vins doux naturels) the department is famous for. Equally drinkable as aperitif or with dessert, these wines resonate with exotic aromas reflected in their deep caramel and russet tones. Once you’ve tasted a Banyuls or a Maury it’s easy to get hooked and you may find yourself wanting to take some home to share (or to keep for yourself!). To this end, here is a little guide to which wine works with which food – Santé!

Vins Doux Naturels Rouges

goes well with: mixed dry fruit, tapas, foie gras, roasted gizzards, gâteaux, ice creams and sorbets

goes extremely well with: prunes, dates, melon, gizzards in sauce, sweet & sour dishes, blue cheese, red fresh fruit and chocolate

Rivesaltes Tuliés

goes well with: mixed dry fruit, tapas, melon, gâteaux, ice cream and sorbets

goes extremely well with: cashew nuts, prunes, dates, sweet & sour dishes, blue cheese and chocolate

Rivesaltes Tuilés Hors d’âge

goes extremely well with: foie gras

Rivesaltes Ambrés

goes well with: mixed dry fruit, tapas and melon

goes extremely well with: cashew nuts, foie gras, sweet & sour dishes, Thaï dishes, Indian dishes, goat’s cheese, blue cheese, gâtaeux, crème brulée, crème catalane, ice cream, sorbets and chocolate

Maury, Banyuls, Banyuls Grand Cru Hors d’âge

goes well with: mixed dry fruit, prunes, dates, tapas, melon, gâteaux, ice cream and sorbets

goes extremely well with: cashew nuts, foie gras, sweet & sour dishes, goat’s cheese, blue cheese and chocolate

Muscat de Rivesaltes

goes well with: melon and foie gras

goes extremely well with: cashew nuts, mixed dry fruit, tapas, sweet & sour dishes, Thaï dishes, Indian dishes, blue cheese, fresh fruit, fruit tarts, fruit mousses, ice cream and sorbets