Rivesaltes (; ) is an appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) for naturally sweet, fortified wines (vin doux naturel or VDN). The name refers to both a production region within Languedoc-Roussillon in southern France, and the style of sweet wines produced there. The Rivesaltes AOC designation of origin has been protected by INAO since 1972, combining several smaller protected designations created in 1936. Grapes and styles Rivesaltes AOC wines are similar to Muscat de Rivesaltes AOC wines, except the grape varieties are not restricted to Muscat. The wines are red or white. Rivesaltes blanc, using white grapes, appears amber in color, while Rivesaltes rouge appears darker. The main grapes used for white Rivesaltes wines are Grenache blanc, Grenache gris, Macabeu, and Malvoisie du Roussillon; Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and Muscat of Alexandria are accessory varietals, which have to be less than 20 percent of the final product. The only grapes allowed for red Rivesaltes wines are Grenache noir, Grenache blanc, Grenache gris, Macabeu, and Malvoisie du Roussillon. Styles can be labeled ambré (amber), grenat (garnet), tuilé (tiled), or rosé, provided they meet certain conditions. These wines can also be labeled (aged) or hors d'âge (beyond age) provided they meet further conditions. Rivesaltes style requirements: Rivesaltes garnet: The must is macerated for all or part of fermentation. It must have 75 percent Grenache noir and storage in an oxidative environment for a 12-month minimum, including 3 months in bottles. Rivesaltes ambré: The must is separated from the pulp before fermentation. It must age in an oxidative environment for a 2-year minimum. Rivesaltes tuilé: Red wine with at least 50 percent Grenache noir, aged in an oxidative environment for a 2-year minimum. Rivesaltes hors d'âge: Rivesaltes ambré or tuilé aged for 5 years. Rivesaltes rancio: Wines which, depending on aging conditions, have acquired a "" taste. Consumption, flavor, and aromas Rivesaltes often has aromas and flavors of raisins and other dried fruit, nuts, smoke, resin, chocolate, and caramel, browned sugar or molasses. Rivesaltes made with white grapes can gain aromas of vanilla, baked cherries, and honey. Rivesaltes, especially Rivesaltes rancio, has an aged, umami, bitter quality found in aged cognac, armagnac, and whisky, called rancio. Due to the winemaking process, Rivesaltes is relatively shelf-stable when open, and can remain at room-temperature for several days without losing quality. According to prominent négociant Philippe Gayral, Rivesaltes is optimal at 50 years of age, and needs