Arnaud de Villeneuve 10-Year-Old Grande Réserve Ambré Rivesaltes Vin Doux Naturel

After a special meal, a sip of sweet wine is so satisfying—with or as dessert. Every restaurant with a serious wine program should include dessert wines. This Rivesaltes, a Vins Doux Naturels (VDN) from the Roussillon region in France, would enhance any list. VDNs are created by adding a neutral spirit to the base wine which stops the fermentation, resulting in higher levels of sugar (+100 g/L) and alcohol (15 to 17 ABV).

Rivesaltes is a Catalan village on the French side of the border, located where the Pyrénées meet the Mediterranean, about 200 km from Barcelona. The Mediterranean climate bestows the region with more than 300 days of sunshine each year.

Arnaud de Villeneuve winery is located at the edge of town in a historic wine cellar. It is run as a cooperative, which means that the brand is owned by the 300 farmers who independently manage their vineyards but collectively grow the grapes to make the wines.

This 10-year-old Grand Réserve Ambré was aged in a solera, slowly exposing the wine to oxygen. It is amber coloured, has a lively acidity, and is pleasantly sweet without being cloying, with notes of citrus, caramel, dried raisin, and figs. Serve it with aged cheese, or be adventurous and try it with rich meat dishes like a braised shoulder of lamb. Limited quantities available at the LCBO - $31.95.